In his blog "Gates Notes", Microsoft cofounder and Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation co-chair Bill Gates said India is the source of hope for the future and said that the country has solved big problems at once, at a time when multiple crises were being faced by the world. &nbsp;

Bill Gates, in his blog, said that he believes with the correct delivery channels and right innovations, the world is capable of progressing on a lot of major problems at once, even when the world is battling multiple crises and he receives responses like, "There isn't enough time or money to solve both at the same time."

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bill-gates-bets-big-on-australian-start-up-aiming-to-reduce-methane-from-cow-burps-555688">Bill Gates bets big on Australian start-up aiming to reduce methane from cow burps</a>

In his blog, Gates said that all the responses were proved wrong by India. "There is no better proof than the remarkable progress that India has accomplished," said Gates. 
"India as a whole gives me hope for the future. It's about to become the world's most populous country, which means you can't solve most problems there without solving them at scale. And yet, India has proven it can tackle big challenges. The country eradicated polio, lowered HIV transmission, reduced poverty, cut infant mortality, and increased access to sanitation and financial services," he said.

“India worked with experts and funders (including the Gates Foundation) to build factories and create large-scale delivery channels to distribute the vaccines. By 2021, 83 per cent of 1-year-olds had been inoculated against rotavirus, and these low-cost vaccines are now being used in other countries around the world,” Gates further wrote.

Speaking about providing funding to Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Gates said, "The Gates Foundation joined hands with India's public sector and CGIAR institutions to support the work of researchers at IARI. They found a new solution: chickpea varieties that have more than 10 per cent higher yields and are more drought-resistant. One variety is already available to farmers, and others are currently developing at the institute. As a result, India is better prepared to keep feeding its people and supporting its farmers even in a warming world. It's no exaggeration to say that India's agricultural future is growing right now in a field in Pusa."

WATCH | ChatGPT interviews Rishi Sunak and Bill Gates

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"One of the reasons why challenges like climate, hunger, and health seem insurmountable is that we don't yet have all the tools to solve them. But I'm optimistic that one day soon we will, thanks in part to innovators like researchers at IARI," he stated.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In his blog "Gates Notes", Microsoft cofounder and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation co-chair Bill Gates said India is the source of hope for the future and said that the country has solved big problems at once, at a time when multiple crises were being faced by the world.

In his blog "Gates Notes", Microsoft cofounder and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation co-chair Bill Gates said India is the source of hope for the future and said that the country has solved big problems at once, at a time when multiple crises were being faced by the world. Bill Gates, in his blog, said that he believes with the correct delivery channels and right innovations, the world is capable of progressing on a lot of major problems at once, even when the world is battling multiple crises and he receives responses like, "There isn't enough time or money to solve both at the same time." ALSO READ | Bill Gates bets big on Australian start-up aiming to reduce methane from cow burps In his blog, Gates said that all the responses were proved wrong by India. "There is no better proof than the remarkable progress that India has accomplished," said Gates. "India as a whole gives me hope for the future. It's about to become the world's most populous country, which means you can't solve most problems there without solving them at scale. And yet, India has proven it can tackle big challenges. The country eradicated polio, lowered HIV transmission, reduced poverty, cut infant mortality, and increased access to sanitation and financial services," he said. “India worked with experts and funders (including the Gates Foundation) to build factories and create large-scale delivery channels to distribute the vaccines. By 2021, 83 per cent of 1-year-olds had been inoculated against rotavirus, and these low-cost vaccines are now being used in other countries around the world,” Gates further wrote. Speaking about providing funding to Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Gates said, "The Gates Foundation joined hands with India's public sector and CGIAR institutions to support the work of researchers at IARI. They found a new solution: chickpea varieties that have more than 10 per cent higher yields and are more drought-resistant. One variety is already available to farmers, and others are currently developing at the institute. As a result, India is better prepared to keep feeding its people and supporting its farmers even in a warming world. It's no exaggeration to say that India's agricultural future is growing right now in a field in Pusa." WATCH | ChatGPT interviews Rishi Sunak and Bill Gates "One of the reasons why challenges like climate, hunger, and health seem insurmountable is that we don't yet have all the tools to solve them. But I'm optimistic that one day soon we will, thanks in part to innovators like researchers at IARI," he stated. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India gives hope for future, proved it can solve major challenges, says Bill Gates

Embattled Ukraine has urged India to support a proposed resolution tabled at the UN General Assembly on the eve of the first anniversary of the Russian invasion, asserting that New Delhi's cooperation was very important.&nbsp;

According to a Ukrainian statement, the Head of the Ukrainian President’s Office Andriy Yermak&nbsp;called India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval informing him about the current situation, especially about the “extremely difficult defence” of the city of Bakhmut in the Donetsk region.

“We know that Russia is preparing certain offensive actions, and we are preparing to respond. The Russian army is very unmotivated, while Ukrainian warriors are showing extraordinary bravery and resilience. We will not stop until we liberate all our territories. We only need weapons,” Yermak said.

Yermak further said that Ukraine was seeking the broadest support, especially from countries of the Global South, for the resolution to be voted on by the UN General Assembly on February 23, according to a readout from the Ukrainian presidency.

“Cooperation with India is very important to us. We believe that you will support our resolution, as it contains very correct wording on the inviolability of borders and territorial integrity. Our goals are transparent and clear: we do not claim a single centimetre of Russian territory, we just want to get ours back,” Yermak said.

So far, the Indian side has not revealed about the phone conversation between both officials. Contrary to the expectations of the West, India has always pursued independent policy and sided with neither side on this issue.

<h2>Russian President Vladimir Putin left with burned out tanks: US President Joe Biden</h2>

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New Delhi has mostly abstained on resolutions related to the Russia-Ukraine war in the UN, including in the Security Council, General Assembly and the Human Rights Council, calling for Ukraine and Russia to resolve the matter bilaterally.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-reportedly-failed-an-icbm-test-during-bidens-ukraine-trip-564688">Russia conducted ICBM launch while Biden was in Ukraine, but it failed: Report</a>

Yermak said that in the proposal Ukraine has planned a peace plan — a 10-point peace formula — providing comprehensive answers to the question of what needs to be done to end the war in a sustainable and just manner.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-expected-to-meet-putin-in-moscow-later-this-year-report-564597">Xi Jinping expected to meet Putin in Moscow later this year: Report</a>

“The draft resolution on support for the principles of the UN Charter, which form the basis of the Ukrainian Peace Formula, will be considered by the UN General Assembly on February 23. The document is based on such fundamental principles as the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of states within internationally recognized borders,” the statement said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Embattled Ukraine has urged India to support a proposed resolution tabled at the UN General Assembly on the eve of the first anniversary of the Russian invasion, asserting that New Delhi's cooperation was very important.

Embattled Ukraine has urged India to support a proposed resolution tabled at the UN General Assembly on the eve of the first anniversary of the Russian invasion, asserting that New Delhi's cooperation was very important. According to a Ukrainian statement, the Head of the Ukrainian President’s Office Andriy Yermak called India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval informing him about the current situation, especially about the “extremely difficult defence” of the city of Bakhmut in the Donetsk region. “We know that Russia is preparing certain offensive actions, and we are preparing to respond. The Russian army is very unmotivated, while Ukrainian warriors are showing extraordinary bravery and resilience. We will not stop until we liberate all our territories. We only need weapons,” Yermak said. Yermak further said that Ukraine was seeking the broadest support, especially from countries of the Global South, for the resolution to be voted on by the UN General Assembly on February 23, according to a readout from the Ukrainian presidency. “Cooperation with India is very important to us. We believe that you will support our resolution, as it contains very correct wording on the inviolability of borders and territorial integrity. Our goals are transparent and clear: we do not claim a single centimetre of Russian territory, we just want to get ours back,” Yermak said. So far, the Indian side has not revealed about the phone conversation between both officials. Contrary to the expectations of the West, India has always pursued independent policy and sided with neither side on this issue. Russian President Vladimir Putin left with burned out tanks: US President Joe Biden New Delhi has mostly abstained on resolutions related to the Russia-Ukraine war in the UN, including in the Security Council, General Assembly and the Human Rights Council, calling for Ukraine and Russia to resolve the matter bilaterally. Also read | Russia conducted ICBM launch while Biden was in Ukraine, but it failed: Report Yermak said that in the proposal Ukraine has planned a peace plan — a 10-point peace formula — providing comprehensive answers to the question of what needs to be done to end the war in a sustainable and just manner. Also read | Xi Jinping expected to meet Putin in Moscow later this year: Report “The draft resolution on support for the principles of the UN Charter, which form the basis of the Ukrainian Peace Formula, will be considered by the UN General Assembly on February 23. The document is based on such fundamental principles as the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of states within internationally recognized borders,” the statement said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Ukraine seeks India’s support on resolution against Russia at UN General Assembly

Several regions in India are included in a new list of those facing highest climate risk by 2050. The rankings say that cities and regions in India, China and the US face great threat due to climate change. The rankings were released on Monday (February 20) by Cross Dependency Initiative, a firm that specialises in climate risk analysis for companies, banks and regions.

The rankings say that Indian states of Punjab, Maharashtra, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Kerala and Assam are most vulnerable. Mumbai, which is a port city and financial capital of India is at high risk. Nine Indian states have featured in 50 high risk areas. Twenty-six Chinese states and five US states feature as well.

These rankings take into account physical risk to infrastructure from eight climate change hazards: Coastal flooding, riverine and surface flooding, forest fire, extreme heat, drought-related soil movement, extreme wind and freeze thaw. Global climate models were used combined with local environmental and weather data and archetypes of engineering.

Watch | A wild plan to save Earth from Climate Change

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&nbsp;

Gross Domestic Climate Risk ranking by XDI is a stark reminder that climate change will be marauding the developmental trajectories across the global south.

The report states that under high emissions scenarios (around four-degree rise), nine (9) Indian states that are ranked within the top 50 most at-risk states and provinces will witness an average of 110 per cent increase in damage risk by 2050.

Currently, with a 0.8 degrees rise in temperature, India’s 27 states and more than three-quarters of its districts are extreme event hotspots accounting for a 5 per cent loss in GDP.

These numbers speak volumes. If global warming is not limited to 2-degree thresholds, climate-vulnerable states like Assam, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, among others, will lose more than 10 per cent of their gross state domestic product (GSDP).

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/antarctic-ice-registers-record-low-for-second-year-564552">Antarctic ice registers record low for second year</a>

India has already established its global thought leadership by founding 21st-century institutions like ISA and CDRI, these institutions should leapfrog in making India the climate solutions hub for the world by fostering systemic, technological, and financial innovations from the margins to the mainstream.

"Since climate risks and readiness do not go hand-in-hand, promoting nature-based solutions should be a national imperative that can avert the extent of loss and damage to physical assets and infrastructures,"&nbsp;Abinash Mohanty, sector head, IPE-Global — an international development organisation said, as quoted by the Hindustan Times.

In case of China, the most affected provinces are in east and south.

(With inputs from agencies)

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&nbsp;

Several regions in India are included in a new list of those facing highest climate risk by 2050. The rankings say that cities and regions in India, China and the US face great threat due to climate change.

Several regions in India are included in a new list of those facing highest climate risk by 2050. The rankings say that cities and regions in India, China and the US face great threat due to climate change. The rankings were released on Monday (February 20) by Cross Dependency Initiative, a firm that specialises in climate risk analysis for companies, banks and regions. The rankings say that Indian states of Punjab, Maharashtra, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Kerala and Assam are most vulnerable. Mumbai, which is a port city and financial capital of India is at high risk. Nine Indian states have featured in 50 high risk areas. Twenty-six Chinese states and five US states feature as well. These rankings take into account physical risk to infrastructure from eight climate change hazards: Coastal flooding, riverine and surface flooding, forest fire, extreme heat, drought-related soil movement, extreme wind and freeze thaw. Global climate models were used combined with local environmental and weather data and archetypes of engineering. Watch | A wild plan to save Earth from Climate Change × Gross Domestic Climate Risk ranking by XDI is a stark reminder that climate change will be marauding the developmental trajectories across the global south. The report states that under high emissions scenarios (around four-degree rise), nine (9) Indian states that are ranked within the top 50 most at-risk states and provinces will witness an average of 110 per cent increase in damage risk by 2050. Currently, with a 0.8 degrees rise in temperature, India’s 27 states and more than three-quarters of its districts are extreme event hotspots accounting for a 5 per cent loss in GDP. These numbers speak volumes. If global warming is not limited to 2-degree thresholds, climate-vulnerable states like Assam, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, among others, will lose more than 10 per cent of their gross state domestic product (GSDP). Also Read | Antarctic ice registers record low for second year India has already established its global thought leadership by founding 21st-century institutions like ISA and CDRI, these institutions should leapfrog in making India the climate solutions hub for the world by fostering systemic, technological, and financial innovations from the margins to the mainstream. "Since climate risks and readiness do not go hand-in-hand, promoting nature-based solutions should be a national imperative that can avert the extent of loss and damage to physical assets and infrastructures," Abinash Mohanty, sector head, IPE-Global — an international development organisation said, as quoted by the Hindustan Times. In case of China, the most affected provinces are in east and south. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Global rankings predict high risk to Indian states due to climate change

Formula 1 Pre-Testing 2023: Before the Formula 1 2023 season kickstarts officially, the pre-season testing for the event will begin this week in Bahrain. The newly released cars for the Formula 1 2023 season will take the circuit for the first time from February 23 to February 25.

Formula 1 Pre-Testing 2023: Before the Formula 1 2023 season kickstarts officially, the pre-season testing for the event will begin this week in Bahrain. The newly released cars for the Formula 1 2023 season will take the circuit for the first time from February 23 to February 25. The Formula 1 pre-test comes a week after the teams chose their new liveries and cars for the new season. Formula 1 pre-season testing timings for February 23 are 12:30 PM IST. They are likely to continue until 10 PM. The teams will dedicate the following two days to testing their pristine cars on the tracks within a similar time range. After the Formula 1 2023 pre-testing, the official Formula 1 race will commence at the Bahrain Grand Prix 2023. Formula 1, or F1, will hold only one pre-season in 2023 instead of two. It implies each team has only three days to warm up before the Round 1 of Formula 1. Here's everything you need to know about Formula 1 pre-testing 2023, from live streaming details to the full schedule. Formula 1 Pre-testing 2023: Full Schedule The Formula 1 pre-testing 2023 will commence on Thursday, February 23 and continue till February 25. Every day, the event will begin around 12:30 PM IST and continue till 10 PM IST. Here is the full schedule for the Formula 1 Pre-Testing Season 2023. Full Schedule for Formula-1 Pre-Testing Season 2023 Day 1 Feb-23 12:30 PM IST to 10 PM IST Day 2 Feb-24 12:30 PM IST to 10 PM IST Day 3 Feb-25 12:30 PM IST to 10 PM IST Where will Formula 1 Pre-testing season 2023 take place? The Formula 1 pre-testing will happen at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, Bahrain. After the three-day pre-testing event, Round 1 of Formula 1 will begin at the same venue. The Bahrain International Circuit is 5.412 kilometres long. The teams will test their new cars on the allotted days of track action. Moreover, they can run any set-ups, parts, and programmes during the Formula 1 pre-testing. Formula 1 Pre-Testing Season 2023: Live Streaming Details Where can I watch Formula 1 pre-season testing 2023? Many channels have started to broadcast the Formula 1 races. The Formula 1 pre-testing season 2023 will be available on F1 TV in India. It is the official broadcasting channel for the tournament. Formula 1 pre-testing is available on Sky Sports F1 in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Formula 1 Pre-Testing 2023 Live Streaming: How to watch F1 pre-testing season 2023 Live, Check full schedule

Every year, on February 20, the northeastern Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram celebrate their foundation day. In 1987, the Indian Government as per&nbsp;the 53rd Amendment of the Indian Constitution a year prior declared the extreme northern part of the country the 24th state of Union India. The state is known as the ‘land of the rising sun’ (not to be confused with Japan) or after the meaning of its name ‘land of the dawn-lit mountains’ is also home to the Line of Actual Control (LAC), arguably one of the heavily contested borders.&nbsp;

What is Arunachal Pradesh Foundation Day?

After India’s independence in 1947, the state now known as Arunachal Pradesh was called North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA) and administered by the state of Assam. However, it was not until after 25 years that the erstwhile NEFA became a Union Territory and named Arunachal Pradesh and on February 20, 1987, was declared a full-fledged state. Since that year, the easternmost state of India has celebrated its foundation day and this year will mark its 37th year of&nbsp;Statehood Day.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bell-in-honour-of-late-cds-bipin-rawat-placed-at-nepals-shree-muktinath-temple-563700">Bell in honour of late CDS Bipin Rawat placed at Nepal's Shree Muktinath temple</a>

How is it being celebrated this year?

The state’s foundation day is celebrated with events, exhibitions and programs to highlight the unique cultural diversity. This year, Indian President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Arunachal Pradesh, on Monday, for a two-day visit to the northeastern state and addressed the 37th Statehood Day celebrations. She also attended a civic reception hosted in her honour by the State Government at Itanagar.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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During her maiden visit to Arunachal Pradesh, the president is also expected to inaugurate and launch several projects during the statehood day celebrations including the foundation stone of the common directorate for the state human rights commission, Lokayukta as well as the state food commission. On Tuesday, Murmu is scheduled to address the special session of the Arunachal Pradesh legislative assembly at Itanagar.

India and China border&nbsp;

India shares a 3488 km border with China which is divided into three sectors, the eastern sector (along the states of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim), the western sector (Ladakh), and the middle sector (Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh). However, Beijing only considers the LAC to be around 2,000 km. The ill-defined border along these sectors has caused many disputes over the years between the two countries.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/stop-commenting-in-internal-issue-if-you-expect-same-from-others-india-after-china-rakes-ap-ladakh-335587">Stop commenting in internal issue, if you expect same from others: India after China rakes AP, Ladakh</a>

After the most recent skirmish between the Indian Army and China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA), a military source told the Indian Express, “In certain areas along the LAC in the Tawang sector in Arunachal Pradesh there are areas of differing perception, where both sides patrol the area up to their claim lines. This has been the trend since 2006.”&nbsp;

Similarly, in an opinion piece written for WION, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/author/major-general-sb-asthana-sm-vsm2">Major General SB Asthana</a> also said that the clash which took place on December 9 is “neither the first nor the last one” but “shows increasing aggressiveness and violent attempt to enforce their own perception of LAC by both sides.” Notably, the western and eastern sectors of the LAC are more heavily contested than the middle sector.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/china-india-tawang-faceoff-not-a-surprise-what-is-different-now-543180">China-India Tawang faceoff not a surprise: What is different now?</a>

Origins of the border dispute in Arunachal

Arunachal Pradesh is strategically significant for India, as the state borders Bhutan, China, and Myanmar and plays a crucial role in the country’s defence and security. Even after&nbsp;India gained independence,&nbsp;the borders which were internationally&nbsp;agreed upon, over the years,&nbsp;including&nbsp;the arbitrary one drawn by British officials&nbsp;based primarily on the highest watershed principle remained the same.&nbsp;However, when China's&nbsp;communist party came into power in 1949, they pulled out of all international agreements.&nbsp;

Beijing believes that these "unequal treaties"&nbsp;had been imposed on it during its “century of humiliation” and called for re-negotiation of all the borders with India. In the eastern sector, the border was drawn along the McMahon Line which was named after Sir Henry McMahon, foreign secretary of British India. In 1914 the 890 km border between erstwhile British India and Tibet was decided at the Simla Convention between China, Tibet and Great Britain.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-proposes-to-expand-railway-in-aksai-chin-region-561699">China proposes to expand railway in Aksai Chin region</a>

However, China has disputed the border which was drawn at the highest watershed principle based on which the previously undefined borders between erstwhile British India and Tibet included Tawang. Reports suggest that the border was never officially demarcated as the British colonial rulers did not see the need to do so in such a remote area. There had been several exchanges between then-Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai and former Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru regarding the issue.&nbsp;

Notably, in 1949-50&nbsp;China invaded&nbsp;Tibet and Beijing argued that when the agreement came into effect it was signed by the Tibetan government which was not a sovereign state at the time and consequently, claims parts of Arunachal Pradesh, including Tawang, as a part of Tibet. In 1962, this led to an all-out war between India and China which was predominantly fought in Aksai Chin, a region which is the western end of the Himalayas with Arunachal Pradesh in the east.&nbsp;

China’s claim on Arunachal Pradesh

China has previously claimed some 90,000 sq km which is virtually the entire Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh and is&nbsp;approximately a little over 8,000 sq km, to begin with as a part of its country.&nbsp;Beijing has also repeatedly produced maps which show Arunachal Pradesh as part of China and refer to the state as “Zangnan” in the Chinese language.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-renames-arunachal-pradeshs-15-places-in-mandarin-gets-sharp-reaction-from-india-441345">China 'renames' Arunachal Pradesh’s 15 places in Mandarin, gets sharp reaction from India</a>

Additionally, it also tried to assign Chinese names to places in Arunachal Pradesh in 2017 and again in 2021, which was seen&nbsp;as a bid to unilaterally change the status quo. However, India has since dismissed these claims, “Arunachal Pradesh has always been, and will always be, an integral part of India. Assigning invented names to places in Arunachal Pradesh does not alter this fact,” said the Ministry of External Affairs, in late 2021 after 15 Chinese names were assigned to regions in Arunachal Pradesh. &nbsp;

US senators introduce bipartisan resolution in Congress for Arunachal Pradesh

Last week, two United States Senators, Democrat Jeff Merkley from Oregon and Republican Bill Hagerty from Tennessee introduced a Senate resolution reaffirming Washington’s recognition of Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of India. The lawmakers also condemned China’s military aggression to change the status quo along the LAC.&nbsp;

Additionally, the resolution came months after the most recent clash between the Indian and Chinese troops in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang region. In a statement, Merkley also said that the resolution reaffirmed that the US recognised the McMahon Line as the international boundary between China and the Indian state Arunachal Pradesh.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senators-introduce-bipartisan-resolution-reaffirming-arunachal-pradesh-as-integral-part-of-india-562896">US Senators introduce bipartisan resolution reaffirming Arunachal Pradesh as integral part of India</a>

“This resolution makes clear that the United States views the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh as part of the Republic of India—not the People’s Republic of China (PRC)—and commits the US to deepening support and assistance to the region, alongside like-minded international partners and donors”, the Democratic senator, added.&nbsp;

The senators also condemned Beijing’s use of “construction of villages in contested areas, publication of maps with Mandarin-language names for cities and feature in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, and expansion of PRC territorial claims in Bhutan”, to change the status quo along the LAC. On the other hand, the US lauded New Delhi’s government to take steps for defending itself from Chinese aggression.&nbsp;

Clashes between Indian and Chinese troops along the LAC

While the region had more or less been peaceful since the war while the dispute has been handled by the countries through diplomatic talks. However, the deadly clashes between Indian and Chinese troops in 2020 years after another incident in 1975, along the LAC have led to a rise in tensions between the two sides.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-suffered-a-huge-loss-in-the-galwan-valley-clash-fabricated-stories-to-the-world-australian-newspaper-449997">China suffered a huge loss in the Galwan Valley clash, ‘fabricated’ stories to the world: Australian newspaper</a>

1975

According to reports, in 1975 four Indian Army personnel were killed after an ambush by the Chinese military in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tulung La region.

2020

According to reports, there was a five-hour confrontation between some 600 military personnel from both sides who engaged in hand-to-hand combat, in June. At least 20 Indian soldiers were killed and while China claims that only four of their soldiers died, the death toll is speculated to be over 40 PLA troops, as per media reports. Furthermore, Indian and Chinese troops later that year also accused each other of firing warning shots during a confrontation.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-a-timeline-of-skirmishes-between-the-two-neighbours-308076">India-China standoff: A timeline of skirmishes between the two neighbours</a>

2022

Last year, in December the two sides again engaged in a clash this time at the Yangtse, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-lac-intrusion-attempt-set-to-rock-indian-parliament-542512">Tawang</a> in Arunachal Pradesh. The incident took place on December 9 following which Beijing&nbsp;alleged that Indian troops “illegally” crossed the LAC while the Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in his statement to the parliament said China attempted to “unilaterally change the status quo”.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Every year, on February 20, the northeastern Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram celebrate their foundation day. In 1987, the Indian Government as per the 53rd Amendment of the Indian Constitution a year prior declared the extreme northern part of the country the 24th state of Union India.

Every year, on February 20, the northeastern Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram celebrate their foundation day. In 1987, the Indian Government as per the 53rd Amendment of the Indian Constitution a year prior declared the extreme northern part of the country the 24th state of Union India. The state is known as the ‘land of the rising sun’ (not to be confused with Japan) or after the meaning of its name ‘land of the dawn-lit mountains’ is also home to the Line of Actual Control (LAC), arguably one of the heavily contested borders. What is Arunachal Pradesh Foundation Day? After India’s independence in 1947, the state now known as Arunachal Pradesh was called North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA) and administered by the state of Assam. However, it was not until after 25 years that the erstwhile NEFA became a Union Territory and named Arunachal Pradesh and on February 20, 1987, was declared a full-fledged state. Since that year, the easternmost state of India has celebrated its foundation day and this year will mark its 37th year of Statehood Day. ALSO READ | Bell in honour of late CDS Bipin Rawat placed at Nepal's Shree Muktinath temple How is it being celebrated this year? The state’s foundation day is celebrated with events, exhibitions and programs to highlight the unique cultural diversity. This year, Indian President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Arunachal Pradesh, on Monday, for a two-day visit to the northeastern state and addressed the 37th Statehood Day celebrations. She also attended a civic reception hosted in her honour by the State Government at Itanagar. LIVE: President Droupadi Murmu addresses the 37th Statehood Day celebrations of Arunachal Pradesh and attends civic reception hosted in her honour by the State Government at Itanagar https://t.co/RouCmSceEA — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) February 20, 2023 × During her maiden visit to Arunachal Pradesh, the president is also expected to inaugurate and launch several projects during the statehood day celebrations including the foundation stone of the common directorate for the state human rights commission, Lokayukta as well as the state food commission. On Tuesday, Murmu is scheduled to address the special session of the Arunachal Pradesh legislative assembly at Itanagar. India and China border India shares a 3488 km border with China which is divided into three sectors, the eastern sector (along the states of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim), the western sector (Ladakh), and the middle sector (Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh). However, Beijing only considers the LAC to be around 2,000 km. The ill-defined border along these sectors has caused many disputes over the years between the two countries. ALSO READ | Stop commenting in internal issue, if you expect same from others: India after China rakes AP, Ladakh After the most recent skirmish between the Indian Army and China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA), a military source told the Indian Express, “In certain areas along the LAC in the Tawang sector in Arunachal Pradesh there are areas of differing perception, where both sides patrol the area up to their claim lines. This has been the trend since 2006.” Similarly, in an opinion piece written for WION, Major General SB Asthana also said that the clash which took place on December 9 is “neither the first nor the last one” but “shows increasing aggressiveness and violent attempt to enforce their own perception of LAC by both sides.” Notably, the western and eastern sectors of the LAC are more heavily contested than the middle sector. ALSO READ | China-India Tawang faceoff not a surprise: What is different now? Origins of the border dispute in Arunachal Arunachal Pradesh is strategically significant for India, as the state borders Bhutan, China, and Myanmar and plays a crucial role in the country’s defence and security. Even after India gained independence, the borders which were internationally agreed upon, over the years, including the arbitrary one drawn by British officials based primarily on the highest watershed principle remained the same. However, when China's communist party came into power in 1949, they pulled out of all international agreements. Beijing believes that these "unequal treaties" had been imposed on it during its “century of humiliation” and called for re-negotiation of all the borders with India. In the eastern sector, the border was drawn along the McMahon Line which was named after Sir Henry McMahon, foreign secretary of British India. In 1914 the 890 km border between erstwhile British India and Tibet was decided at the Simla Convention between China, Tibet and Great Britain. ALSO READ | China proposes to expand railway in Aksai Chin region However, China has disputed the border which was drawn at the highest watershed principle based on which the previously undefined borders between erstwhile British India and Tibet included Tawang. Reports suggest that the border was never officially demarcated as the British colonial rulers did not see the need to do so in such a remote area. There had been several exchanges between then-Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai and former Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru regarding the issue. Notably, in 1949-50 China invaded Tibet and Beijing argued that when the agreement came into effect it was signed by the Tibetan government which was not a sovereign state at the time and consequently, claims parts of Arunachal Pradesh, including Tawang, as a part of Tibet. In 1962, this led to an all-out war between India and China which was predominantly fought in Aksai Chin, a region which is the western end of the Himalayas with Arunachal Pradesh in the east. China’s claim on Arunachal Pradesh China has previously claimed some 90,000 sq km which is virtually the entire Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh and is approximately a little over 8,000 sq km, to begin with as a part of its country. Beijing has also repeatedly produced maps which show Arunachal Pradesh as part of China and refer to the state as “Zangnan” in the Chinese language. ALSO READ | China 'renames' Arunachal Pradesh’s 15 places in Mandarin, gets sharp reaction from India Additionally, it also tried to assign Chinese names to places in Arunachal Pradesh in 2017 and again in 2021, which was seen as a bid to unilaterally change the status quo. However, India has since dismissed these claims, “Arunachal Pradesh has always been, and will always be, an integral part of India. Assigning invented names to places in Arunachal Pradesh does not alter this fact,” said the Ministry of External Affairs, in late 2021 after 15 Chinese names were assigned to regions in Arunachal Pradesh. US senators introduce bipartisan resolution in Congress for Arunachal Pradesh Last week, two United States Senators, Democrat Jeff Merkley from Oregon and Republican Bill Hagerty from Tennessee introduced a Senate resolution reaffirming Washington’s recognition of Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of India. The lawmakers also condemned China’s military aggression to change the status quo along the LAC. Additionally, the resolution came months after the most recent clash between the Indian and Chinese troops in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang region. In a statement, Merkley also said that the resolution reaffirmed that the US recognised the McMahon Line as the international boundary between China and the Indian state Arunachal Pradesh. ALSO READ | US Senators introduce bipartisan resolution reaffirming Arunachal Pradesh as integral part of India “This resolution makes clear that the United States views the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh as part of the Republic of India—not the People’s Republic of China (PRC)—and commits the US to deepening support and assistance to the region, alongside like-minded international partners and donors”, the Democratic senator, added. The senators also condemned Beijing’s use of “construction of villages in contested areas, publication of maps with Mandarin-language names for cities and feature in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, and expansion of PRC territorial claims in Bhutan”, to change the status quo along the LAC. On the other hand, the US lauded New Delhi’s government to take steps for defending itself from Chinese aggression. Clashes between Indian and Chinese troops along the LAC While the region had more or less been peaceful since the war while the dispute has been handled by the countries through diplomatic talks. However, the deadly clashes between Indian and Chinese troops in 2020 years after another incident in 1975, along the LAC have led to a rise in tensions between the two sides. ALSO READ | China suffered a huge loss in the Galwan Valley clash, ‘fabricated’ stories to the world: Australian newspaper 1975 According to reports, in 1975 four Indian Army personnel were killed after an ambush by the Chinese military in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tulung La region. 2020 According to reports, there was a five-hour confrontation between some 600 military personnel from both sides who engaged in hand-to-hand combat, in June. At least 20 Indian soldiers were killed and while China claims that only four of their soldiers died, the death toll is speculated to be over 40 PLA troops, as per media reports. Furthermore, Indian and Chinese troops later that year also accused each other of firing warning shots during a confrontation. ALSO READ | India-China standoff: A timeline of skirmishes between the two neighbours 2022 Last year, in December the two sides again engaged in a clash this time at the Yangtse, Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. The incident took place on December 9 following which Beijing alleged that Indian troops “illegally” crossed the LAC while the Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in his statement to the parliament said China attempted to “unilaterally change the status quo”. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained | Arunachal Pradesh Foundation Day: What is China’s so-called claim over the Indian state?

India's foreign exchange reserves fell significantly to a one-month low of $566.94 billion in the week ending February 10, marking its biggest weekly decline in 11 months.

The country's import cover in the week prior had dropped by $1.49 billion to $575.27 billion, stalling a three-week rising streak, according to the Reserve Bank of India's weekly data.

The latest dip in FX reserves was due to the Indian central bank selling dollars to shore up the rupee in international markets and stabilise the domestic currency from extreme volatility.

That trend of the Indian central bank intervening in forex markets to defend the rupee has been a phenomenon over the past year.

But why is this important? What does the foreign exchange of a country signify?

Foreign Exchange Reserves are of crucial importance to the functioning of any economy.

They entail all the foreign assets owned by a country's central bank. Foreign assets generate income in foreign currency.

They are stored in the form of gold or cash and are used to maintain the balance of payment and to maintain the country's financial market stability.

In October 2021, India's forex kitty hit an all-time high of $645 billion; however, the trend has reversed and declined as the Indian rupee fell significantly against the US dollar.

According to the RBI data, India's Foreign Currency Assets (FCS) have also fallen by $7.11 billion to $500.59 billion in the latest week.

The FCA differs from the reserves since it considers the effect of appreciation or depreciation of non-U.S. units such as yen, pounds, and euro.

Apart from that, India's Gold Reserves have fallen by $919 million, taking the bullion reserves to $42.86 billion. &nbsp;

The collective trend over the past year aptly showcases the drop in the rupee against the dollar.

The rupee's dramatic fall

The value of the domestic currency declined for the fourth straight week but did not weaken beyond its record low of a touch over 83 per dollar, which would have likely triggered a response by the RBI.

However, despite all the chaos, the Indian rupee has remained relatively stable compared to its Asian peers.

The RBI Governor said that the volatility in the rupee is better than seen in the past, with India's forex reserves in a comfortable position, despite the fall over the past year.

The broader sell-off of most major global currencies in favour of the dollar has hurt the forex reserves of almost every emerging market country, pushing some into a historic economic crisis.

That trend for increased interest in dollar-denominated assets intensified after Russia invaded Ukraine almost a year ago.

The Indian rupee has not been an exception.

The Indian currency fell to multiple record lows and hovered around 83 per dollar from about 74 per dollar before the war on the edge of Europe started in February last year.

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India's foreign exchange reserves fell significantly to a one-month low of $566.94 billion in the week ending February 10, marking its biggest weekly decline in 11 months.

India's foreign exchange reserves fell significantly to a one-month low of $566.94 billion in the week ending February 10, marking its biggest weekly decline in 11 months. The country's import cover in the week prior had dropped by $1.49 billion to $575.27 billion, stalling a three-week rising streak, according to the Reserve Bank of India's weekly data. The latest dip in FX reserves was due to the Indian central bank selling dollars to shore up the rupee in international markets and stabilise the domestic currency from extreme volatility. That trend of the Indian central bank intervening in forex markets to defend the rupee has been a phenomenon over the past year. But why is this important? What does the foreign exchange of a country signify? Foreign Exchange Reserves are of crucial importance to the functioning of any economy. They entail all the foreign assets owned by a country's central bank. Foreign assets generate income in foreign currency. They are stored in the form of gold or cash and are used to maintain the balance of payment and to maintain the country's financial market stability. In October 2021, India's forex kitty hit an all-time high of $645 billion; however, the trend has reversed and declined as the Indian rupee fell significantly against the US dollar. According to the RBI data, India's Foreign Currency Assets (FCS) have also fallen by $7.11 billion to $500.59 billion in the latest week. The FCA differs from the reserves since it considers the effect of appreciation or depreciation of non-U.S. units such as yen, pounds, and euro. Apart from that, India's Gold Reserves have fallen by $919 million, taking the bullion reserves to $42.86 billion. The collective trend over the past year aptly showcases the drop in the rupee against the dollar. The rupee's dramatic fall The value of the domestic currency declined for the fourth straight week but did not weaken beyond its record low of a touch over 83 per dollar, which would have likely triggered a response by the RBI. However, despite all the chaos, the Indian rupee has remained relatively stable compared to its Asian peers. The RBI Governor said that the volatility in the rupee is better than seen in the past, with India's forex reserves in a comfortable position, despite the fall over the past year. The broader sell-off of most major global currencies in favour of the dollar has hurt the forex reserves of almost every emerging market country, pushing some into a historic economic crisis. That trend for increased interest in dollar-denominated assets intensified after Russia invaded Ukraine almost a year ago. The Indian rupee has not been an exception. The Indian currency fell to multiple record lows and hovered around 83 per dollar from about 74 per dollar before the war on the edge of Europe started in February last year. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India's forex reserves mark the biggest weekly drop in 11 months

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), on Sunday (February 19) announced that its soon-to-be third mission to Moon, Chandrayaan-3’s lander has successfully undergone the EMI-EMC (Electro-Magnetic Interference/Electro-Magnetic Compatibility) test. It was conducted at the U R Rao Satellite Centre in the Indian city of Bengaluru between January 31 and February 2, said a statement by the national space agency, on Sunday (February 19).&nbsp;

Why is this test important?

The EMI-EMC test is conducted prior to satellite missions which ensures the functionality of the satellite subsystems in space as well as their compatibility with the expected electromagnetic levels. “This test is a major milestone in the realization of the satellites,” said ISRO.&nbsp;

Highlighting the importance of the test, ISRO explained that since Chandrayaan-3 is an interplanetary mission has three major modules, the Propulsion module, Lander module, and Rover. It added, the mission’s complexity calls for establishing radio-frequency (RF) communication links between the modules.&nbsp;

What happened during the test?

The Chandrayaan-3 lander EMI/EC test included launcher compatibility, antenna polarization of all RF systems, standalone auto compatibility tests for orbital and powered descent mission phases, and lander and rover compatibility tests for the post-landing mission phase were ensured, said the statement. The ISRO said that the performance of the lander’s system was satisfactory.&nbsp;

About Chandrayaan-3&nbsp;

The Chandrayaan-3 mission will follow Chandrayan-2 and demonstrate end-to-end capability in safe landing and roving on the lunar surface, the Indian space agency had said previously. It will comprise a lander and rover configuration and will be launched by GSLV MkIII from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, an island off the Bay of Bengal coast and dubbed as the spaceport of India.&nbsp;

The propulsion module will carry the lander and rover configuration to 100 km of the Moon’s orbit and will also study the spectral and polarimetric measurements of Earth from there with the help of Spectro-polarimetry of Habitable Planet Earth (SHAPE) payload. However, the final launch date of the mission is yet to be announced but is said to be towards the second or third quarter of this year.&nbsp;

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), on Sunday (February 19) announced that its soon-to-be third mission to Moon, Chandrayaan-3’s lander has successfully undergone the EMI-EMC (Electro-Magnetic Interference/Electro-Magnetic Compatibility) test.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), on Sunday (February 19) announced that its soon-to-be third mission to Moon, Chandrayaan-3’s lander has successfully undergone the EMI-EMC (Electro-Magnetic Interference/Electro-Magnetic Compatibility) test. It was conducted at the U R Rao Satellite Centre in the Indian city of Bengaluru between January 31 and February 2, said a statement by the national space agency, on Sunday (February 19). Why is this test important? The EMI-EMC test is conducted prior to satellite missions which ensures the functionality of the satellite subsystems in space as well as their compatibility with the expected electromagnetic levels. “This test is a major milestone in the realization of the satellites,” said ISRO. Highlighting the importance of the test, ISRO explained that since Chandrayaan-3 is an interplanetary mission has three major modules, the Propulsion module, Lander module, and Rover. It added, the mission’s complexity calls for establishing radio-frequency (RF) communication links between the modules. What happened during the test? The Chandrayaan-3 lander EMI/EC test included launcher compatibility, antenna polarization of all RF systems, standalone auto compatibility tests for orbital and powered descent mission phases, and lander and rover compatibility tests for the post-landing mission phase were ensured, said the statement. The ISRO said that the performance of the lander’s system was satisfactory. About Chandrayaan-3 The Chandrayaan-3 mission will follow Chandrayan-2 and demonstrate end-to-end capability in safe landing and roving on the lunar surface, the Indian space agency had said previously. It will comprise a lander and rover configuration and will be launched by GSLV MkIII from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, an island off the Bay of Bengal coast and dubbed as the spaceport of India. The propulsion module will carry the lander and rover configuration to 100 km of the Moon’s orbit and will also study the spectral and polarimetric measurements of Earth from there with the help of Spectro-polarimetry of Habitable Planet Earth (SHAPE) payload. However, the final launch date of the mission is yet to be announced but is said to be towards the second or third quarter of this year.

India: ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 successfully undergoes key test ensuring it can function in space

In pics | From South Africa to India: The journey of 12 cheetahs to Kuno National Park

Jammu and Kashmir's former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti today hit out at Home Minister of India, Amit Shah. Mehbooba said that Shah's statements are just ‘jumlas’ (empty promises) and there are no facts in his statement. ''He has himself admitted that he keeps making such statements, He accepted that he used such jumlas during the elections. It is for the first time in the history that a state was converted into a Union Territory. And now, to divert the issue of Adani, they are using such tactics. They always use Jammu and Kashmir to divert the attention of the country. I have to say that the land of Jammu and Kashmir belongs to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. I want the people to take control of the land. ''

Mufti also said that people were earlier called anti-nationals and now they are calling us encroachers. She said it's our land and people should take control of the land. It belongs to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “People were earlier being called anti-national and now they are being called encroachers,'' said the Jammu and Kashmir former chief minister.

Mehbooba, while replying to a question regarding G-20 summit meetings, said that it will have serious consequences if the government continues to carry out the demolition drive. ''The summit at a time of raiding BBC offices and demolishing houses will have serious consequences for the country's reputation, '' said Jammu and Kashmir's former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti.

Mehbooba also said that while PDP was in coalition with BJP, they did not allow them to make any anti-people decisions. We didn’t allow them to carry out any anti-people activity. People can criticise me for my steps.&nbsp;I am not BJP, but till the government was there, we didn’t allow their agenda to prevail,” Mehbooba added.&nbsp;

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Jammu and Kashmir's former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti today hit out at Home Minister of India, Amit Shah. Mehbooba said that Shah's statements are just ‘jumlas’ (empty promises) and there are no facts in his statement.

Jammu and Kashmir's former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti today hit out at Home Minister of India, Amit Shah. Mehbooba said that Shah's statements are just ‘jumlas’ (empty promises) and there are no facts in his statement. ''He has himself admitted that he keeps making such statements, He accepted that he used such jumlas during the elections. It is for the first time in the history that a state was converted into a Union Territory. And now, to divert the issue of Adani, they are using such tactics. They always use Jammu and Kashmir to divert the attention of the country. I have to say that the land of Jammu and Kashmir belongs to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. I want the people to take control of the land. '' Mufti also said that people were earlier called anti-nationals and now they are calling us encroachers. She said it's our land and people should take control of the land. It belongs to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “People were earlier being called anti-national and now they are being called encroachers,'' said the Jammu and Kashmir former chief minister. Mehbooba, while replying to a question regarding G-20 summit meetings, said that it will have serious consequences if the government continues to carry out the demolition drive. ''The summit at a time of raiding BBC offices and demolishing houses will have serious consequences for the country's reputation, '' said Jammu and Kashmir's former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti. Mehbooba also said that while PDP was in coalition with BJP, they did not allow them to make any anti-people decisions. We didn’t allow them to carry out any anti-people activity. People can criticise me for my steps. I am not BJP, but till the government was there, we didn’t allow their agenda to prevail,” Mehbooba added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Mehbooba Mufti hits out at Home Minister Shah; says first they called us anti nationals and now encroachers

Indian&nbsp;Consulate in Toronto, Canada expressed its displeasure at defacement of a Ram Mandir in&nbsp;Mississauga. The incident at the temple took place on February 13 (Monday). The anti-India graffiti at the temple was allegedly made by 'Khalistani extremists'. India has urged Canadian authorities to find the perpetrators.

"We strongly condemn the defacing of Ram Mandir in Mississauga with anti-India graffiti. We have requested Canadian authorities to investigate the incident and take prompt action on perpetrators," India's Consulate in Toronto tweeted on Tuesday.

"Vandalism occurred overnight (February 13th) at the Shri Ram Mandir in Mississauga, Ontario Canada. We at the Ram Mandir are very disturbed by this occurrence and we are working with the appropriate law enforcement authority on this matter," the Facebook page of the temple said.

Pro-Khalistani slogans and anti-India graffiti was seen painted the walls of the temple.

This is not the first time a Hindu temple was defaced in Canada. Last month, a temple in Brampton, Canada was painted with hate-filled anti-India messages. This had caused an outrage among the Indian-Canadian community.

In September, the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, Toronto was defaced by "Canadian Khalistani extremists".

The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is a spiritual, volunteer-driven faith dedicated to improving society through individual growth by fostering the Hindu ideals of faith, unity, and selfless service.

Last September, the Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement condemning the rise of hate crimes against Indians and anti-India activities in Canada, expressing their concern with stern language.

Statistics Canada reported a 72 per cent increase in hate crimes based on religion, sexual orientation, and race between 2019 and 2021.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Indian Consulate in Toronto, Canada expressed its displeasure at defacement of a Ram Mandir in Mississauga. The incident at the temple took place on February 13 (Monday).

Indian Consulate in Toronto, Canada expressed its displeasure at defacement of a Ram Mandir in Mississauga. The incident at the temple took place on February 13 (Monday). The anti-India graffiti at the temple was allegedly made by 'Khalistani extremists'. India has urged Canadian authorities to find the perpetrators. "We strongly condemn the defacing of Ram Mandir in Mississauga with anti-India graffiti. We have requested Canadian authorities to investigate the incident and take prompt action on perpetrators," India's Consulate in Toronto tweeted on Tuesday. "Vandalism occurred overnight (February 13th) at the Shri Ram Mandir in Mississauga, Ontario Canada. We at the Ram Mandir are very disturbed by this occurrence and we are working with the appropriate law enforcement authority on this matter," the Facebook page of the temple said. Pro-Khalistani slogans and anti-India graffiti was seen painted the walls of the temple. This is not the first time a Hindu temple was defaced in Canada. Last month, a temple in Brampton, Canada was painted with hate-filled anti-India messages. This had caused an outrage among the Indian-Canadian community. In September, the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, Toronto was defaced by "Canadian Khalistani extremists". The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is a spiritual, volunteer-driven faith dedicated to improving society through individual growth by fostering the Hindu ideals of faith, unity, and selfless service. Last September, the Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement condemning the rise of hate crimes against Indians and anti-India activities in Canada, expressing their concern with stern language. Statistics Canada reported a 72 per cent increase in hate crimes based on religion, sexual orientation, and race between 2019 and 2021. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

India fumes after Hindu temple in Canada gets defaced

Guyana's Chief of the Defence Staff, Brigadier Godfrey Bess, has said that the country is looking to purchase the Dornier aircraft from India in a bid to build its capacity in the area of troop movement and disaster-related activities. In an interview with our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Brigadier Bess said, "we looked at one of such aircraft, a Dornier, and it is actually suiting the capability we would like to have." He added that the initial focus of the defence cooperation between the two countries will be on air assets.&nbsp;

This announcement comes after Guyana's President, Dr Irfaan Ali, expressed his country's interest in buying Indian defence equipment during an interview with WION last month. The Chief of defence staff is currently in India to participate in Aero India in Bangalore and held talks with his Indian counterpart. In the interview, he also pointed to training being provided by India to the Guyanese military.

WION: What kind of cooperation is there between India and Guyana when it comes to the Defence relationship? 
Brigadier Godfrey Bess: The government and people of Guyana are very thankful to India for the invitation to this conference. Since I have been here, we are enjoying the hospitality of the people of India and the conference has been an eye opener. I must say that Guyana and India have had a very long diplomatic relationship and as a result of that, we have been traditionally doing things together. Regarding defence, over the last two&nbsp;years, there has been a tremendous improvement in our relations, and presently we have been doing a lot of training, building human capacity, and collaborating with the military of India. We plan to increase that collaboration so that we can continue to prepare our defence force for greater things, particularly since Guyana has been known to be the fastest-growing economy. We have ensured there is a conducive environment for investors and the people of Guyana. We do recognize we need to build capacity and capabilities regarding defence and security and we do see India as a very strategic partner in this regard. We do recognise based on PM Modi's speech of India's need and willingness to collaborate with all countries to ensure that our defence structure is built stronger. &nbsp;

WION: What can you tell us about the training of your military by India? 
Brigadier Godfrey Bess: Well, my military is very small, and needs capacity building. In the last two years, we have seen extensive training in the military, in information tech enhancement, and involved my commissioned and non-commissioned officers. We are taking Indian training and it has enhanced the capacity back home in Guyana. Training has done very well for us so far. We will continue to enjoy those training and we would like, open to inviting trainers to Guyana so that we can continue to build and share the experience we have in Guyana with India.

WION: Last month, your President spoke to WION and said that his country is keen to buy Indian defence equipment. Can you elaborate on that? 
Brigadier Godfrey Bess: There is an MoU, meant to be signed by the two sides, indeed I do see our defence cooperation enlarged. Presently, we are looking at the proposal, as it relates to air assets and naval assets for our country and for sure, as we continue to collaborate having gone around the exhibition, over the last two days, there are a lot of other assets and capabilities that Guyana will be interested. I do feel a lot of positivity as it relates to growth in our defence areas.

WION: Are you looking at Including Dornier, fast patrol vessels? and so far, have you brought Indian defence equipment? 
Brigadier Godfrey Bess: Yes, exactly those are some of the options we are actively looking at. Well, we have not bought defence equipment thus far; we have purchased other infrastructure equipment. Recently our government purchased a ferry from India, and in years gone by we have been very good customers for TATA. We purchased transportation equipment from the country. We have been collaborating on a&nbsp;country-to-country basis, mainly in the area of medical science and technology and other areas. Business with India is no strange activity with Guyana, we have lines of credit and there have also been agreements between my government and India Exim Bank.

WION: What kind of air assets are you looking for from India? 
Brigadier Godfrey Bess: In the beginning, we are looking at air assets that would build our capacity in the area of moving our troops across the country and I would say disaster-related activities. We looked at one such aircraft, a Dornier, and it is actually suiting the capability we would like to have.&nbsp;

WION: So, you will be keen on a Dornier with India? 
Brigadier Godfrey Bess: Yes, in the initial stage.

WION: What kind of conversation you had with your Indian counterpart? 
Brigadier Godfrey Bess: I had conversations with some of the persons from the private sector and am looking at options. I had a conversation with the Indian chief of defence staff and spoke about increasing cooperation and working together as a partner, partners with similar challenges and interests which will improve our relationship.&nbsp;

Guyana's Chief of the Defence Staff, Brigadier Godfrey Bess, has said that the country is looking to purchase the Dornier aircraft from India in a bid to build its capacity in the area of troop movement and disaster-related activities.

Guyana's Chief of the Defence Staff, Brigadier Godfrey Bess, has said that the country is looking to purchase the Dornier aircraft from India in a bid to build its capacity in the area of troop movement and disaster-related activities. In an interview with our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Brigadier Bess said, "we looked at one of such aircraft, a Dornier, and it is actually suiting the capability we would like to have." He added that the initial focus of the defence cooperation between the two countries will be on air assets. This announcement comes after Guyana's President, Dr Irfaan Ali, expressed his country's interest in buying Indian defence equipment during an interview with WION last month. The Chief of defence staff is currently in India to participate in Aero India in Bangalore and held talks with his Indian counterpart. In the interview, he also pointed to training being provided by India to the Guyanese military. WION: What kind of cooperation is there between India and Guyana when it comes to the Defence relationship? Brigadier Godfrey Bess: The government and people of Guyana are very thankful to India for the invitation to this conference. Since I have been here, we are enjoying the hospitality of the people of India and the conference has been an eye opener. I must say that Guyana and India have had a very long diplomatic relationship and as a result of that, we have been traditionally doing things together. Regarding defence, over the last two years, there has been a tremendous improvement in our relations, and presently we have been doing a lot of training, building human capacity, and collaborating with the military of India. We plan to increase that collaboration so that we can continue to prepare our defence force for greater things, particularly since Guyana has been known to be the fastest-growing economy. We have ensured there is a conducive environment for investors and the people of Guyana. We do recognize we need to build capacity and capabilities regarding defence and security and we do see India as a very strategic partner in this regard. We do recognise based on PM Modi's speech of India's need and willingness to collaborate with all countries to ensure that our defence structure is built stronger. WION: What can you tell us about the training of your military by India? Brigadier Godfrey Bess: Well, my military is very small, and needs capacity building. In the last two years, we have seen extensive training in the military, in information tech enhancement, and involved my commissioned and non-commissioned officers. We are taking Indian training and it has enhanced the capacity back home in Guyana. Training has done very well for us so far. We will continue to enjoy those training and we would like, open to inviting trainers to Guyana so that we can continue to build and share the experience we have in Guyana with India. WION: Last month, your President spoke to WION and said that his country is keen to buy Indian defence equipment. Can you elaborate on that? Brigadier Godfrey Bess: There is an MoU, meant to be signed by the two sides, indeed I do see our defence cooperation enlarged. Presently, we are looking at the proposal, as it relates to air assets and naval assets for our country and for sure, as we continue to collaborate having gone around the exhibition, over the last two days, there are a lot of other assets and capabilities that Guyana will be interested. I do feel a lot of positivity as it relates to growth in our defence areas. WION: Are you looking at Including Dornier, fast patrol vessels? and so far, have you brought Indian defence equipment? Brigadier Godfrey Bess: Yes, exactly those are some of the options we are actively looking at. Well, we have not bought defence equipment thus far; we have purchased other infrastructure equipment. Recently our government purchased a ferry from India, and in years gone by we have been very good customers for TATA. We purchased transportation equipment from the country. We have been collaborating on a country-to-country basis, mainly in the area of medical science and technology and other areas. Business with India is no strange activity with Guyana, we have lines of credit and there have also been agreements between my government and India Exim Bank. WION: What kind of air assets are you looking for from India? Brigadier Godfrey Bess: In the beginning, we are looking at air assets that would build our capacity in the area of moving our troops across the country and I would say disaster-related activities. We looked at one such aircraft, a Dornier, and it is actually suiting the capability we would like to have. WION: So, you will be keen on a Dornier with India? Brigadier Godfrey Bess: Yes, in the initial stage. WION: What kind of conversation you had with your Indian counterpart? Brigadier Godfrey Bess: I had conversations with some of the persons from the private sector and am looking at options. I had a conversation with the Indian chief of defence staff and spoke about increasing cooperation and working together as a partner, partners with similar challenges and interests which will improve our relationship.

Exclusive | Guyana looking to get Dornier from India in first such major defence deal

The police in the Indian financial capital, Mumbai said that a man from Hyderabad was arrested after he called in a bomb threat at Google’s office in Pune, on late Sunday (February 12). The caller, later identified as Panayam Shivanand, alerted the tech giant’s office in Mumbai about placing an explosive device at the office of Google in Pune which prompted the city’s police and Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) to take action. The next morning, the Mumbai police said that the caller from Hyderabad claimed to be in an inebriated state and was later detained while the call turned out to be a hoax.&nbsp;

“Google company's office in Maharashtra's Pune city was briefly put on alert after it received a call about a bomb in the premises which later turned out to be a hoax,” said the police, on Monday. Google's office located at Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) in Mumbai received the call at 7:54 pm (local time) on Sunday that a bomb had been placed in the tech giant’s Pune office, said the police.&nbsp;

Subsequently, the Pune police along with the BDDS checked Google office premises which is&nbsp;in the city’s Mundhwa area on the 11th floor but nothing suspicious was found, said the officials. The caller was later traced to the Indian state Telangana’s city of Hyderabad and detained by the city’s police. According to Amol Zende, DCP (Crime) Pune, the accused made the hoax call due to a dispute with his brother who works at the Google office based in Pune.&nbsp;

“The caller has been traced to Hyderabad and apprehended. He allegedly made the call in an inebriated condition,” said the Pune police official. An investigation into the incident is underway, said the authorities. Meanwhile, a case has been registered against the accused at Mumbai’s BKC police station under sections 505 (1) (b) and 506 (2) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for intent to cause harm and likely to cause, fear or alarm to public and criminal intimidation respectively.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
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The police in the Indian financial capital, Mumbai said that a man from Hyderabad was arrested after he called in a bomb threat at Google’s office in Pune, on late Sunday (February 12).

The police in the Indian financial capital, Mumbai said that a man from Hyderabad was arrested after he called in a bomb threat at Google’s office in Pune, on late Sunday (February 12). The caller, later identified as Panayam Shivanand, alerted the tech giant’s office in Mumbai about placing an explosive device at the office of Google in Pune which prompted the city’s police and Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) to take action. The next morning, the Mumbai police said that the caller from Hyderabad claimed to be in an inebriated state and was later detained while the call turned out to be a hoax. “Google company's office in Maharashtra's Pune city was briefly put on alert after it received a call about a bomb in the premises which later turned out to be a hoax,” said the police, on Monday. Google's office located at Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) in Mumbai received the call at 7:54 pm (local time) on Sunday that a bomb had been placed in the tech giant’s Pune office, said the police. Subsequently, the Pune police along with the BDDS checked Google office premises which is in the city’s Mundhwa area on the 11th floor but nothing suspicious was found, said the officials. The caller was later traced to the Indian state Telangana’s city of Hyderabad and detained by the city’s police. According to Amol Zende, DCP (Crime) Pune, the accused made the hoax call due to a dispute with his brother who works at the Google office based in Pune. “The caller has been traced to Hyderabad and apprehended. He allegedly made the call in an inebriated condition,” said the Pune police official. An investigation into the incident is underway, said the authorities. Meanwhile, a case has been registered against the accused at Mumbai’s BKC police station under sections 505 (1) (b) and 506 (2) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for intent to cause harm and likely to cause, fear or alarm to public and criminal intimidation respectively. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India: Bomb threat at Google’s office in Pune turns out to be a hoax, caller detained in Hyderabad

A nine-year-old Indian-American girl, Samedha Saxena, has made it to the list of ‘world’s brightest’ students of the United States-based Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY). The Grade 4 student from New York’s Battery Park City School, last year became one of the youngest students to qualify for the CTY global Talent Search Program at the age of eight. The results were based on an above-grade-level test by John Hopkins’ CYT in order to identify advanced students across 76 countries from over 15,000 students.

According to a press release by the university, Samedha was recognized for her exceptional performances at SAT, ACT, School and College Ability Test, or similar assessments taken as a part of the CTY Talent Search. Additionally, out of the 15,300 students who participated less than 27 per cent achieved high or grand honours as per their scores.&nbsp;

“This is not just recognition of our students' success on one test, but a salute to their love of discovery and learning, and all the knowledge they have accumulated in their young lives so far,” said CTY Executive Director, Dr Amy Shelton. She added, “It is exciting to think about all the ways in which they will use that potential to discover their passions, engage in rewarding and enriching experiences, and achieve remarkable things — in their communities and in the world.”&nbsp;

Last year, John Hopkins named Indian-origin teenager, Natasha Perianayagam, as the brightest student in the world after she took the CTY test in the Spring of 2021 as a Grade 5 student.

The 13-year-old student attended Florence M Gaudineer Middle School in New Jersey whose results in verbal and quantitative sections levelled with the 90th percentile of advanced Grade 8 performance, as per media reports. According to PTI, her parents who hailed from the Indian city of Chennai said that the teenager likes to doodle and read JRR Tolkien’s novels.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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A nine-year-old Indian-American girl, Samedha Saxena, has made it to the list of ‘world’s brightest’ students of the United States-based Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY).

A nine-year-old Indian-American girl, Samedha Saxena, has made it to the list of ‘world’s brightest’ students of the United States-based Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY). The Grade 4 student from New York’s Battery Park City School, last year became one of the youngest students to qualify for the CTY global Talent Search Program at the age of eight. The results were based on an above-grade-level test by John Hopkins’ CYT in order to identify advanced students across 76 countries from over 15,000 students. According to a press release by the university, Samedha was recognized for her exceptional performances at SAT, ACT, School and College Ability Test, or similar assessments taken as a part of the CTY Talent Search. Additionally, out of the 15,300 students who participated less than 27 per cent achieved high or grand honours as per their scores. “This is not just recognition of our students' success on one test, but a salute to their love of discovery and learning, and all the knowledge they have accumulated in their young lives so far,” said CTY Executive Director, Dr Amy Shelton. She added, “It is exciting to think about all the ways in which they will use that potential to discover their passions, engage in rewarding and enriching experiences, and achieve remarkable things — in their communities and in the world.” Last year, John Hopkins named Indian-origin teenager, Natasha Perianayagam, as the brightest student in the world after she took the CTY test in the Spring of 2021 as a Grade 5 student. The 13-year-old student attended Florence M Gaudineer Middle School in New Jersey whose results in verbal and quantitative sections levelled with the 90th percentile of advanced Grade 8 performance, as per media reports. According to PTI, her parents who hailed from the Indian city of Chennai said that the teenager likes to doodle and read JRR Tolkien’s novels. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Meet the nine-year-old Indian-American named as one of the ‘world’s brightest’ students

The 14th and the largest-ever edition of India's flagship aerospace expo 'Aero India' will be inaugurated on Monday (February 13) by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at the Yelahanka Air Force Station, Bengaluru. The five-day event is among the largest and most important aerospace exhibitions in the world. It is primarily aimed at building new technology for Indian aviation industry, showcasing India's growth in aerospace and defence capabilities, fostering partnerships between Indian and foreign firms and facilitating opportunities to transact business and exchange ideas.

According to the organisers, the 2023 iteration of the biennial event is a huge step up from its earlier edition, held in 2021. Comparing the 2023 and 2021 editions, it was mentioned "the event exhibiton area is spanning 35,000 square meters, as against 23,000 square meters in 2021; flying display will comrpise 67 aircraft, as opposed to 64; static display will have 36 aircraft, as opposed to 19; and 809 firms taking part, when compared to 600; and 98 nations participating, as against 55 in the earlier edition."

Some of the key platforms and technologies showcased at the 'India Pavilion' of the event would include the indigenously-designed and built Light Combat Aircraft 'Tejas Mk1', a host of drone and anti-drone technologies, space technologies that finds application in defence. The Indian government had earlier stated that a handful of friendly nations had expressed interest in procuring the Tejas aircraft for their respective forces, thus the made-in-India fighter would be a major platform that India looks to export. In addition to this, there would also be solutions in the high-tech domains of Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Communications, Robotics, 5G.&nbsp;

During the second day of the five-day event, the Indian Defence Ministry will be hosting 'SPEED' (Shared Prosperity through Enhanced Engagements in Defence) a Defence Ministers' Conclave. The organiSers of 'Aero India' have said that the CEOs roundtable will witness the participation of 73 business leaders and 27 of them would be from foreign nations. In addition to this, Defence ministers from 32 foreign nations will be attending, so will be air chiefs of 29 friendly-foreign nations. At an introductory event meant to offer more insights into 'Aero India', Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that the Defence Ministers' Conclave would focus on both joint development of Defence platforms, hardware and also export of those made in India.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The 14th and the largest-ever edition of India's flagship aerospace expo 'Aero India' will be inaugurated on Monday (February 13) by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at the Yelahanka Air Force Station, Bengaluru.

The 14th and the largest-ever edition of India's flagship aerospace expo 'Aero India' will be inaugurated on Monday (February 13) by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at the Yelahanka Air Force Station, Bengaluru. The five-day event is among the largest and most important aerospace exhibitions in the world. It is primarily aimed at building new technology for Indian aviation industry, showcasing India's growth in aerospace and defence capabilities, fostering partnerships between Indian and foreign firms and facilitating opportunities to transact business and exchange ideas. According to the organisers, the 2023 iteration of the biennial event is a huge step up from its earlier edition, held in 2021. Comparing the 2023 and 2021 editions, it was mentioned "the event exhibiton area is spanning 35,000 square meters, as against 23,000 square meters in 2021; flying display will comrpise 67 aircraft, as opposed to 64; static display will have 36 aircraft, as opposed to 19; and 809 firms taking part, when compared to 600; and 98 nations participating, as against 55 in the earlier edition." Some of the key platforms and technologies showcased at the 'India Pavilion' of the event would include the indigenously-designed and built Light Combat Aircraft 'Tejas Mk1', a host of drone and anti-drone technologies, space technologies that finds application in defence. The Indian government had earlier stated that a handful of friendly nations had expressed interest in procuring the Tejas aircraft for their respective forces, thus the made-in-India fighter would be a major platform that India looks to export. In addition to this, there would also be solutions in the high-tech domains of Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Communications, Robotics, 5G. During the second day of the five-day event, the Indian Defence Ministry will be hosting 'SPEED' (Shared Prosperity through Enhanced Engagements in Defence) a Defence Ministers' Conclave. The organiSers of 'Aero India' have said that the CEOs roundtable will witness the participation of 73 business leaders and 27 of them would be from foreign nations. In addition to this, Defence ministers from 32 foreign nations will be attending, so will be air chiefs of 29 friendly-foreign nations. At an introductory event meant to offer more insights into 'Aero India', Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that the Defence Ministers' Conclave would focus on both joint development of Defence platforms, hardware and also export of those made in India.

India's biggest-ever defence aerospace expo 'Aero India' to kick off on Monday

The Indian Army has set up a hospital in Turkey&nbsp;to help victims of the devastating earthquake that hit the country. The army hospital is providing relief packages and medical assistance to the victims. The hospital has been set up as part of Operation Dost (or friend in Hindi) launched by India to help Turkey in the aftermath of the earthquake.

A school building has been repurposed to house the 60 Para Field Hospital where 96 people, including orthopaedic surgeons, are treating victims.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Adarsh, second in command at the hospital, the type of casualties have been “multi-trauma cases as expected in this kind of disaster” and “neglected trauma”. He said around 10 surgeries have been performed.

The death toll from a catastrophic earthquake that hit Turkey&nbsp;and Syria climbed to 33,000 on Sunday, with the United Nations warning that the final number may double.

Officials and medics said 29,605 people had died in Turkey and 3,574 in Syria from Monday's 7.8-magnitude tremor, bringing the confirmed total to 33,179.

A UN convoy with supplies for northwest Syria arrived via Turkey, but the agency's relief chief Martin Griffiths said much more was needed for millions whose homes were destroyed.

"We have so far failed the people in northwest Syria. They rightly feel abandoned. Looking for international help that hasn't arrived," tweeted Martin Griffiths relief chief at the UN.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Indian Army has set up a hospital in Turkey to help victims of the devastating earthquake that hit the country. The army hospital is providing relief packages and medical assistance to the victims.

The Indian Army has set up a hospital in Turkey to help victims of the devastating earthquake that hit the country. The army hospital is providing relief packages and medical assistance to the victims. The hospital has been set up as part of Operation Dost (or friend in Hindi) launched by India to help Turkey in the aftermath of the earthquake. A school building has been repurposed to house the 60 Para Field Hospital where 96 people, including orthopaedic surgeons, are treating victims. According to Lieutenant Colonel Adarsh, second in command at the hospital, the type of casualties have been “multi-trauma cases as expected in this kind of disaster” and “neglected trauma”. He said around 10 surgeries have been performed. The death toll from a catastrophic earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria climbed to 33,000 on Sunday, with the United Nations warning that the final number may double. Officials and medics said 29,605 people had died in Turkey and 3,574 in Syria from Monday's 7.8-magnitude tremor, bringing the confirmed total to 33,179. A UN convoy with supplies for northwest Syria arrived via Turkey, but the agency's relief chief Martin Griffiths said much more was needed for millions whose homes were destroyed. "We have so far failed the people in northwest Syria. They rightly feel abandoned. Looking for international help that hasn't arrived," tweeted Martin Griffiths relief chief at the UN. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Indian Army sets up hospital in Turkey to help earthquake victims

To ensure that the tourism offerings are marketed better, the government of India will present different aspects of the country to various nations.

The step is being taken with the assistance of Indian missions abroad, stated officials. For around 20 major source markets of India, which include the UK, US, Thailand, China, Canada, Russia and Oman, the missions have been given the task of creating customised marketing plans according to the profile of tourists from the respective nations.

For example, to the French tourists, India will be pitched as a tourism destination for history and culture, while to Thailand, they will market the Buddhist circuit and adventure tourism. To target the Russians, India needs to expand its tourism spectrum beyond Kerala and Goa.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-mv-ganga-vilas-what-would-the-worlds-longest-river-cruise-would-mean-for-travel-enthusiasts-552313">India's MV Ganga Vilas Cruise: What would the world's longest river cruise mean for travel enthusiasts?</a>

Union Tourism Minister G Kishan Reddy along with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and the tourism ministry's other officials, earlier this week, held a virtual meeting with tourism officers and ambassadors from some of these missions, where the officials presented their specific marketing plans.

“There is a realisation that the one-size-fits-all approach to promoting India as a tourist destination to foreigners does not yield great results. So, the idea is to market the tourist offerings in a more customised manner,” an official said.

WATCH | India Covid: New guidelines for air travel from Saturday; India to test 2% international travelers

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For example, it was observed that 70 per cent of French travellers check the destination online before they travel, and most of these tourists also write reviews and blogs after their visits.

“Only those with an extremely satisfactory experience express themselves as ambassadors of a destination,” according to a presentation which was submitted by the Indian Mission in Paris to the ministers.

(With inputs from agencies)

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To ensure that the tourism offerings are marketed better, the government of India will present different aspects of the country to various nations. The step is being taken with the assistance of Indian missions abroad, stated officials.

To ensure that the tourism offerings are marketed better, the government of India will present different aspects of the country to various nations. The step is being taken with the assistance of Indian missions abroad, stated officials. For around 20 major source markets of India, which include the UK, US, Thailand, China, Canada, Russia and Oman, the missions have been given the task of creating customised marketing plans according to the profile of tourists from the respective nations. For example, to the French tourists, India will be pitched as a tourism destination for history and culture, while to Thailand, they will market the Buddhist circuit and adventure tourism. To target the Russians, India needs to expand its tourism spectrum beyond Kerala and Goa. ALSO READ | India's MV Ganga Vilas Cruise: What would the world's longest river cruise mean for travel enthusiasts? Union Tourism Minister G Kishan Reddy along with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and the tourism ministry's other officials, earlier this week, held a virtual meeting with tourism officers and ambassadors from some of these missions, where the officials presented their specific marketing plans. “There is a realisation that the one-size-fits-all approach to promoting India as a tourist destination to foreigners does not yield great results. So, the idea is to market the tourist offerings in a more customised manner,” an official said. WATCH | India Covid: New guidelines for air travel from Saturday; India to test 2% international travelers For example, it was observed that 70 per cent of French travellers check the destination online before they travel, and most of these tourists also write reviews and blogs after their visits. “Only those with an extremely satisfactory experience express themselves as ambassadors of a destination,” according to a presentation which was submitted by the Indian Mission in Paris to the ministers. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India to tailor its tourism offerings on basis of visiting nation’s profile

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia bagged the top spot among Gulf countries that offered the most number&nbsp;of jobs to Indians in the year 2022. Saudi Arabia has the second-highest number of Indian expats after the United Arab Emirates. In the year 2022, Saudi Arabia provided 178,630 jobs to Indians. There was a five-fold increase in the figure as in 2021 and 2020 the numbers were 32,845 and 44,316 respectively.

The second country on this list is Kuwait which has seen a seven-fold increase compared to the year 2021. Bahrain was at last place with just 10,232 job offers.&nbsp;

The UAE, which hosted the highest number of Indians in 2018, continues to see a dip in recruitment. In 2018, UAE recruited 57,613 people while in 2019 it provided jobs to 45,712 Indians.

According to numbers with India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), nearly 50 per cent of India's migrant population works in Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries. An estimated 70 per cent of the Indian population in this region comprises of semi-skilled and unskilled workers. 20 to 23 per cent of Indian professionals are in 'white-collar' jobs like doctors, engineers, architects, chartered accountants, bankers and more.

“It is expected to grow manifold in the next few years,” said Mohammed Ashif, whose firm&nbsp;Expertise Contracting Company Limited caters to demand for workers in various sectors "The majority of our employees are from India,” he was quoted as saying by the Times of India.

(With inputs from agencies)

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&nbsp;

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia bagged the top spot among Gulf countries that offered the most number of jobs to Indians in the year 2022. Saudi Arabia has the second-highest number of Indian expats after the United Arab Emirates.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia bagged the top spot among Gulf countries that offered the most number of jobs to Indians in the year 2022. Saudi Arabia has the second-highest number of Indian expats after the United Arab Emirates. In the year 2022, Saudi Arabia provided 178,630 jobs to Indians. There was a five-fold increase in the figure as in 2021 and 2020 the numbers were 32,845 and 44,316 respectively. The second country on this list is Kuwait which has seen a seven-fold increase compared to the year 2021. Bahrain was at last place with just 10,232 job offers. The UAE, which hosted the highest number of Indians in 2018, continues to see a dip in recruitment. In 2018, UAE recruited 57,613 people while in 2019 it provided jobs to 45,712 Indians. According to numbers with India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), nearly 50 per cent of India's migrant population works in Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries. An estimated 70 per cent of the Indian population in this region comprises of semi-skilled and unskilled workers. 20 to 23 per cent of Indian professionals are in 'white-collar' jobs like doctors, engineers, architects, chartered accountants, bankers and more. “It is expected to grow manifold in the next few years,” said Mohammed Ashif, whose firm Expertise Contracting Company Limited caters to demand for workers in various sectors "The majority of our employees are from India,” he was quoted as saying by the Times of India. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Saudi Arabia tops list of Gulf countries giving employment to Indians in 2022

An Indian national who was missing since the earthquakes hit Turkey, on February 6, was found dead on Saturday (February 11) under the rubble of a hotel he was staying in. The Indian embassy in Turkey confirmed that the body of the victim, Vijay Kumar Gaud was found in the debris of a hotel in Malatya where he was on a business trip.&nbsp; 
 
According to reports citing officials, the victim’s face was injured beyond recognition and the body was identified by his family by the tattoo of the word “Om” on his hand. “We inform with sorrow that the mortal remains of Shri Vijay Kumar, an Indian national missing in Turkiye since February 6 earthquake, have been found and identified among the debris of a hotel in Malatya, where he was on a business trip,” said the Indian embassy in Turkey, in a tweet.&nbsp; 
 
ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-allow-aid-to-quake-hit-turkey-armenia-briefly-buries-old-hatchet-of-tensions-560987">To allow aid to quake-hit Turkey, Armenia briefly buries old hatchet of tensions</a>

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We inform with sorrow that the mortal remains of Shri Vijay Kumar, an Indian national missing in Turkiye since February 6 earthquake, have been found and identified among the debris of a hotel in Malatya, where he was on a business trip.<a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrSJaishankar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MEAIndia</a> 
1/2
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They added, “Our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. We are making arrangements for the earliest possible transportation of his mortal remains to his family.” India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), on Wednesday, said that an Indian was missing, while 10 others were stuck in remote areas of Turkey but are safe following the devastating earthquake in Turkey.&nbsp;

Who was Vijay Kumar?

Vijay Kumar was a 35-year-old from the Pauri district in the Indian state of Uttarakhand and was reportedly a technician for a Bengaluru-based gas-plant company, Oxyplants India Pvt. Ltd. He was in Turkey on an assignment. As per media reports, Gaud was found under the rubble of the four-star Avsar Hotel in Malatya where he was staying since January 25 for a project that was supposed to end by mid-February.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-wideangle-turkiye-syria-earthquakes-hope-and-despair-560813">WION Wideangle | Turkiye-Syria Earthquakes: Hope and Despair</a> 
 
The victim’s elder brother Arun Kumar Gaud&nbsp;that his wife, Pinky Gaur, and six-year-old son had last talked to him on the phone on February 5 and that he was to return to India on February 20.&nbsp;"His phone rings but no one responds," said his elder brother to&nbsp;PTI, after his brother went missing.

Kumar was sent to Turkey for installing and commissioning an acetylene gas plant in Malatya, as per media reports, and secured his visa by mid-January.&nbsp;According to family sources quoting Indian embassy officials, Gaud’s mortal remains will first be flown to Istanbul and then taken to Delhi, and it may take some three days for his body to reach Uttarakhand, reported PTI.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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An Indian national who was missing since the earthquakes hit Turkey, on February 6, was found dead on Saturday (February 11) under the rubble of a hotel he was staying in.

An Indian national who was missing since the earthquakes hit Turkey, on February 6, was found dead on Saturday (February 11) under the rubble of a hotel he was staying in. The Indian embassy in Turkey confirmed that the body of the victim, Vijay Kumar Gaud was found in the debris of a hotel in Malatya where he was on a business trip. According to reports citing officials, the victim’s face was injured beyond recognition and the body was identified by his family by the tattoo of the word “Om” on his hand. “We inform with sorrow that the mortal remains of Shri Vijay Kumar, an Indian national missing in Turkiye since February 6 earthquake, have been found and identified among the debris of a hotel in Malatya, where he was on a business trip,” said the Indian embassy in Turkey, in a tweet. ALSO READ | To allow aid to quake-hit Turkey, Armenia briefly buries old hatchet of tensions We inform with sorrow that the mortal remains of Shri Vijay Kumar, an Indian national missing in Turkiye since February 6 earthquake, have been found and identified among the debris of a hotel in Malatya, where he was on a business trip.@PMOIndia @DrSJaishankar @MEAIndia 1/2 — India in Türkiye (@IndianEmbassyTR) February 11, 2023 × They added, “Our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. We are making arrangements for the earliest possible transportation of his mortal remains to his family.” India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), on Wednesday, said that an Indian was missing, while 10 others were stuck in remote areas of Turkey but are safe following the devastating earthquake in Turkey. Who was Vijay Kumar? Vijay Kumar was a 35-year-old from the Pauri district in the Indian state of Uttarakhand and was reportedly a technician for a Bengaluru-based gas-plant company, Oxyplants India Pvt. Ltd. He was in Turkey on an assignment. As per media reports, Gaud was found under the rubble of the four-star Avsar Hotel in Malatya where he was staying since January 25 for a project that was supposed to end by mid-February. ALSO WATCH | WION Wideangle | Turkiye-Syria Earthquakes: Hope and Despair The victim’s elder brother Arun Kumar Gaud that his wife, Pinky Gaur, and six-year-old son had last talked to him on the phone on February 5 and that he was to return to India on February 20. "His phone rings but no one responds," said his elder brother to PTI, after his brother went missing. Kumar was sent to Turkey for installing and commissioning an acetylene gas plant in Malatya, as per media reports, and secured his visa by mid-January. According to family sources quoting Indian embassy officials, Gaud’s mortal remains will first be flown to Istanbul and then taken to Delhi, and it may take some three days for his body to reach Uttarakhand, reported PTI. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Turkey earthquake: Indian man found dead, tattoo on hand helps family identify body. Who was Vijay Kumar?

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) released figures on Friday (February 10) which highlighted how India emerged as the top importer of Scotch whisky in 2022 as Scotch whisky exports broke records, which grew to more than £6 billion for the first time.&nbsp;The trade organisation that represents the Scotch whisky industry mentioned in its report&nbsp;that the Scotch whisky exports went up 37 per cent to £6.2 billion last year.

The report mentioned that India beat France to top the list and the growth was reported despite the economic slump in the aftermath of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.&nbsp;

As per the report, the subcontinent imported 219 million bottles of Scotch whisky last year, while imports increased by 17 per cent in France to 205 million bottles. The total, however, was overshadowed by a 60 per cent rise in demand from India.&nbsp;

The figure for record sales is also significant because of India's tariff charge of 150 per cent on imports.&nbsp;

According to the report, a UK-India free trade deal does ease the 150% per cent tariff burden on Scotch whisky in India.&nbsp;

Mark Kent, who is the chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association, said the industry continues to be an "anchor of growth" that would support both investment and job creation despite "a year of significant economic headwinds and global supply chain disruption".&nbsp;

Kent said that looking toward 2023, the industry will continue to navigate economic headwinds including "global inflationary pressures, domestic energy and business costs, and a reduction in consumer confidence".&nbsp;

He added that with the right support from our home governments, we remain confident that the industry can continue to deliver for the Scottish and wider UK economy.&nbsp;

"By reducing tariffs through the UK-India free trade agreement, continuing the duty freeze in the March budget, and ensuring the industry's continued ability to advertise our world-class product in our home market, the Scottish and UK governments can count on the Scotch Whisky industry to reinvest its success across the UK," said Kent.

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The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) released figures on Friday (February 10) which highlighted how India emerged as the top importer of Scotch whisky in 2022 as Scotch whisky exports broke records, which grew to more than £6 billion for the first time.

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) released figures on Friday (February 10) which highlighted how India emerged as the top importer of Scotch whisky in 2022 as Scotch whisky exports broke records, which grew to more than £6 billion for the first time. The trade organisation that represents the Scotch whisky industry mentioned in its report that the Scotch whisky exports went up 37 per cent to £6.2 billion last year. The report mentioned that India beat France to top the list and the growth was reported despite the economic slump in the aftermath of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. As per the report, the subcontinent imported 219 million bottles of Scotch whisky last year, while imports increased by 17 per cent in France to 205 million bottles. The total, however, was overshadowed by a 60 per cent rise in demand from India. The figure for record sales is also significant because of India's tariff charge of 150 per cent on imports. According to the report, a UK-India free trade deal does ease the 150% per cent tariff burden on Scotch whisky in India. Mark Kent, who is the chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association, said the industry continues to be an "anchor of growth" that would support both investment and job creation despite "a year of significant economic headwinds and global supply chain disruption". Kent said that looking toward 2023, the industry will continue to navigate economic headwinds including "global inflationary pressures, domestic energy and business costs, and a reduction in consumer confidence". He added that with the right support from our home governments, we remain confident that the industry can continue to deliver for the Scottish and wider UK economy. "By reducing tariffs through the UK-India free trade agreement, continuing the duty freeze in the March budget, and ensuring the industry's continued ability to advertise our world-class product in our home market, the Scottish and UK governments can count on the Scotch Whisky industry to reinvest its success across the UK," said Kent. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India knocks France off the top spot to be the top importer of Scotch whisky

India's foreign inward remittance jumped to $80.127 billion in 2020-21, the highest ever in a single year, according to Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary.&nbsp;Remittances are transfers sent from one individual to another or another household.

In a written reply to a question in parliament, the minister, quoting RBI data, noted that money from abroad into India stood at $69.128 billion in 2017-18.

While the minister said a country-wise breakdown of remittances data is not compiled, he noted that the US, UAE, the UK, Singapore, and Saudi Arabia were the top five major countries from where India receives such payments.

On the rupee's recent weakness, the minister said markets determine the value of the Indian currency.&nbsp;He said the Reserve Bank of India monitors the rupee's moves and intervenes if necessary.&nbsp;But the minister added the RBI only intervenes to limit extreme moves in the rupee rather than to protect the currency against any preset levels.

The rupee fell sharply last year from around 74 per dollar before the Russia-Ukraine war to a record low of 83. The Ukraine crisis pushed investors to shelter in dollar-denominated assets, widely called flight-to-safety bets.

Emerging market assets took a hit, with foreign exchange reserves in several countries falling to distressed levels. Sri Lanka was the biggest hit, with the island nation experiencing its worst economic crisis on shrinking foreign currency serves and hurting its ability to import.

Pakistan is on the brink of a collapse as the country's import cover has fallen to its lowest in a decade to just about $3 billion.

The country can finance imports for about two weeks and is amid discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a bailout.

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India's foreign inward remittance jumped to $80.127 billion in 2020-21, the highest ever in a single year, according to Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary.

India's foreign inward remittance jumped to $80.127 billion in 2020-21, the highest ever in a single year, according to Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary. Remittances are transfers sent from one individual to another or another household. In a written reply to a question in parliament, the minister, quoting RBI data, noted that money from abroad into India stood at $69.128 billion in 2017-18. While the minister said a country-wise breakdown of remittances data is not compiled, he noted that the US, UAE, the UK, Singapore, and Saudi Arabia were the top five major countries from where India receives such payments. On the rupee's recent weakness, the minister said markets determine the value of the Indian currency. He said the Reserve Bank of India monitors the rupee's moves and intervenes if necessary. But the minister added the RBI only intervenes to limit extreme moves in the rupee rather than to protect the currency against any preset levels. The rupee fell sharply last year from around 74 per dollar before the Russia-Ukraine war to a record low of 83. The Ukraine crisis pushed investors to shelter in dollar-denominated assets, widely called flight-to-safety bets. Emerging market assets took a hit, with foreign exchange reserves in several countries falling to distressed levels. Sri Lanka was the biggest hit, with the island nation experiencing its worst economic crisis on shrinking foreign currency serves and hurting its ability to import. Pakistan is on the brink of a collapse as the country's import cover has fallen to its lowest in a decade to just about $3 billion. The country can finance imports for about two weeks and is amid discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a bailout. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India's remittances hit a record high of nearly $90 billion in FY21

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), on Wednesday (February 8) raised its key repo rate by 25 basis points (bps) and said that the country’s core inflation remains high. This comes after the central bank raised its key benchmark interest rate by 35 basis points (bps) in December, following a monetary policy review. The recent decision by RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das-headed Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) might make external benchmark-linked loans costlier.&nbsp;

What is the repo rate and what does it affect?

The repo rate is the interest rate at which the central bank of a country, in this case, the RBI, lends money to commercial banks if they fall short of funds. This indirectly affects the interest rates of home loans, car loans and so on. It is also used by monetary authorities to control inflation. The hike will also directly have an impact on both bank depositors and loan takers as the banks raise their interest rates on consumer loans.&nbsp;

What is the&nbsp;current repo rate?

The announcement, on Wednesday, marks the sixth consecutive rate hike since May 2022. Additionally, the RBI has also increased the repo rate by a cumulative 250 basis points, which took the key interest rate to 6.50 per cent. &nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/how-will-union-budget-2022-2023-impact-non-resident-indians-nris-449602">How will Union Budget 2022-2023 impact Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)?</a>

The decision to raise the repo rate

In its first decision since the announcement of the Union Budget 2023, the RBI’s policy panel with a 4:2 majority announced the recent hike. As per media reports, MPC members Ashima Goyal and Jayanth Varma voted against the increase and Shashanka Bhide, Rajiv Ranjan, Michael Debabrata Patra and Shaktikanta Das voted in favour of the hike.&nbsp;

Additionally, the MPC also retained its stance on the withdrawal of accommodation to ensure that inflation remains within the target while supporting growth by the same majority. Notably, the increase was in line with what most analysts expected.&nbsp;

How will this affect consumers?

In the upcoming months, since the repo rate is hiked banks will now have to pay higher interest to the RBI which in turn would burden the retail and corporate borrowers of banks as the interest rate on loans taken from the banks would also increase. Therefore, loans including home, auto, personal and so on, are expected to become costlier.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rbi-hikes-repo-rate-in-monetary-policy-2023-what-is-repo-rate-reverse-repo-rate-monetary-policy-559868">RBI hikes repo rate by 25 bps in Monetary Policy 2023: What is repo rate, reverse repo rate &amp; monetary policy?</a>

Additionally, as loan borrowers may have to pay more interest, it can also lead to higher equated monthly instalments (EMIs) or monthly repayments. An SBI official told the Indian Express that deposit rates are also expected to witness some changes after the announcement.&nbsp;

What can borrowers do?

According to experts, what matters is the time frame that one intends to repay the loan as the RBI is expected to take a break from its rate hike cycle in the upcoming months. Today's increase might be the last hit to the loans. “The silver lining is that the inflation is likely to moderate in 2024-25 and the RBI seeks to bring down the inflation to its target levels – within four per cent”, said Adil Shetty, CEO and Co-founder of BankBazaar, as per Financial Express.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-indias-rbi-hikes-key-interest-rates-504138">Gravitas: India's RBI hikes key interest rates</a>

He added, “It will make retail loans such as home, auto, and personal loans, among others, costlier, and borrowers will have to be ready for higher monthly EMIs or tenor extensions, or both,” in the context of the recent hike in repo rate. Therefore, one of the things he recommended was increasing EMI once a year by five per cent, which he says would pull your tenor back by a few months and repeat if required next year and make this an annual exercise.&nbsp;

According to Shetty, a 20-year loan can be repaid in 12 years if you pre-pay five per cent of the loan balance once a year and depending on your situation you could choose to go fast or slow. However, since home loans are low-cost for most, it makes sense to repay slowly while balancing it with investing needs. The markets have returned 12 per cent over the long term and the cost of a home loan with tax deductions may be five to seven per cent a year, he added.&nbsp;

Speaking about the timeframe in which you intend to repay the loan, the BankBazaar CEO gave an example and said, "If your intention was to repay a 20-year loan in 10 years but the rate hikes have taken your tenor to 25 years. In this case, ensure that for the next 10 years, you pay back at least 10 per cent of the loan through a combination of EMIs and pre-payments."&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indias-remittances-hit-a-record-high-in-fy21-560001">India's remittances hit a record high in FY21</a>

It is also noted that while the change in repo rate may not have an immediate effect on existing home loan borrowers as their interest rates may be fixed for some time, however, the same cannot be said for new home loan borrowers or those who have taken a floating rate loan. Therefore, one can also consider switching from a floating rate loan to a fixed rate loan which could protect them against further hikes, as per Financial Express.&nbsp;

RBI’s growth projection&nbsp;

The real GDP growth for 2023-24 is projected at 6.4 per cent with Q1 at 7.8 per cent, Q2 at 6.2 per cent, Q3 at six per cent and Q4 at 5.8 per cent. The MPC had also previously slashed the GDP forecast for the fiscal year 2023 to 6.8 per cent in December after the policy review from the previous estimate of seven per cent. The RBI governor also said that the real GDP growth is estimated at seven per cent in 2023 and that the Indian economy remains resilient.&nbsp;

However, the outlook is clouded by “continuing uncertainties from geopolitical tensions, global financial market volatility, rising non-oil commodity prices and volatile crude oil prices,”&nbsp;said Das.

What did the RBI say about inflation?

During his address, Das said that the core inflation remains “sticky” or stubbornly high. He added, “Looking ahead, while inflation is expected to moderate in 2023-24, it is likely to rule above the 4.0 per cent target.” Last year, inflation had soared as high as 7.79 per cent in April, which prompted a series of hikes by the RBI in a bid to control it.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-central-bank-hikes-rate-by-25-basis-points-for-the-sixth-time-in-a-row-559871">Loans, EMIs to get costlier after RBI hikes rates for the sixth time in a row</a>

“The global economic outlook doesn’t look as grim now as it did a few months ago, growth prospects in major economies have improved while inflation is on a descent though inflation still remains well above the target in major economies,” said the RBI governor. He added that unprecedented events in the past three years have put monetary policy across the world to the test.&nbsp;

“Emerging market economies are facing sharp tradeoffs between supporting economic activity and controlling inflation while preserving policy credibility,” said Das. This time around, the central bank has lowered its inflation target for FY23 from 6.7 per cent to 6.5 per cent which is still above its 4.0 per cent goal. While the inflation for FY24 is expected to be 5.3 per cent, said the RBI. &nbsp;

How did the market respond to the announcement?

Indian shares held on Wednesday after the widely expected smaller interest rate hike delivered by the central bank. As the market neared closing time, the indices overall soared as Nifty gained 0.85 per cent and Sensex 0.63 per cent. Meanwhile, the Nifty 50 index jumped 150 to close at 17,871 while the S&amp;P BSE Sensex rose 377 points to end above 60,600, at 60,633, as per the Mint.&nbsp;

When is the next MPC meeting?

The next meeting of the MPC is scheduled for April 3, 5 and 6, 2023

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), on Wednesday (February 8) raised its key repo rate by 25 basis points (bps) and said that the country’s core inflation remains high.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), on Wednesday (February 8) raised its key repo rate by 25 basis points (bps) and said that the country’s core inflation remains high. This comes after the central bank raised its key benchmark interest rate by 35 basis points (bps) in December, following a monetary policy review. The recent decision by RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das-headed Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) might make external benchmark-linked loans costlier. What is the repo rate and what does it affect? The repo rate is the interest rate at which the central bank of a country, in this case, the RBI, lends money to commercial banks if they fall short of funds. This indirectly affects the interest rates of home loans, car loans and so on. It is also used by monetary authorities to control inflation. The hike will also directly have an impact on both bank depositors and loan takers as the banks raise their interest rates on consumer loans. What is the current repo rate? The announcement, on Wednesday, marks the sixth consecutive rate hike since May 2022. Additionally, the RBI has also increased the repo rate by a cumulative 250 basis points, which took the key interest rate to 6.50 per cent. ALSO READ | How will Union Budget 2022-2023 impact Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)? The decision to raise the repo rate In its first decision since the announcement of the Union Budget 2023, the RBI’s policy panel with a 4:2 majority announced the recent hike. As per media reports, MPC members Ashima Goyal and Jayanth Varma voted against the increase and Shashanka Bhide, Rajiv Ranjan, Michael Debabrata Patra and Shaktikanta Das voted in favour of the hike. Additionally, the MPC also retained its stance on the withdrawal of accommodation to ensure that inflation remains within the target while supporting growth by the same majority. Notably, the increase was in line with what most analysts expected. How will this affect consumers? In the upcoming months, since the repo rate is hiked banks will now have to pay higher interest to the RBI which in turn would burden the retail and corporate borrowers of banks as the interest rate on loans taken from the banks would also increase. Therefore, loans including home, auto, personal and so on, are expected to become costlier. ALSO READ | RBI hikes repo rate by 25 bps in Monetary Policy 2023: What is repo rate, reverse repo rate & monetary policy? Additionally, as loan borrowers may have to pay more interest, it can also lead to higher equated monthly instalments (EMIs) or monthly repayments. An SBI official told the Indian Express that deposit rates are also expected to witness some changes after the announcement. What can borrowers do? According to experts, what matters is the time frame that one intends to repay the loan as the RBI is expected to take a break from its rate hike cycle in the upcoming months. Today's increase might be the last hit to the loans. “The silver lining is that the inflation is likely to moderate in 2024-25 and the RBI seeks to bring down the inflation to its target levels – within four per cent”, said Adil Shetty, CEO and Co-founder of BankBazaar, as per Financial Express. ALSO WATCH | Gravitas: India's RBI hikes key interest rates He added, “It will make retail loans such as home, auto, and personal loans, among others, costlier, and borrowers will have to be ready for higher monthly EMIs or tenor extensions, or both,” in the context of the recent hike in repo rate. Therefore, one of the things he recommended was increasing EMI once a year by five per cent, which he says would pull your tenor back by a few months and repeat if required next year and make this an annual exercise. According to Shetty, a 20-year loan can be repaid in 12 years if you pre-pay five per cent of the loan balance once a year and depending on your situation you could choose to go fast or slow. However, since home loans are low-cost for most, it makes sense to repay slowly while balancing it with investing needs. The markets have returned 12 per cent over the long term and the cost of a home loan with tax deductions may be five to seven per cent a year, he added. Speaking about the timeframe in which you intend to repay the loan, the BankBazaar CEO gave an example and said, "If your intention was to repay a 20-year loan in 10 years but the rate hikes have taken your tenor to 25 years. In this case, ensure that for the next 10 years, you pay back at least 10 per cent of the loan through a combination of EMIs and pre-payments." ALSO WATCH | India's remittances hit a record high in FY21 It is also noted that while the change in repo rate may not have an immediate effect on existing home loan borrowers as their interest rates may be fixed for some time, however, the same cannot be said for new home loan borrowers or those who have taken a floating rate loan. Therefore, one can also consider switching from a floating rate loan to a fixed rate loan which could protect them against further hikes, as per Financial Express. RBI’s growth projection The real GDP growth for 2023-24 is projected at 6.4 per cent with Q1 at 7.8 per cent, Q2 at 6.2 per cent, Q3 at six per cent and Q4 at 5.8 per cent. The MPC had also previously slashed the GDP forecast for the fiscal year 2023 to 6.8 per cent in December after the policy review from the previous estimate of seven per cent. The RBI governor also said that the real GDP growth is estimated at seven per cent in 2023 and that the Indian economy remains resilient. However, the outlook is clouded by “continuing uncertainties from geopolitical tensions, global financial market volatility, rising non-oil commodity prices and volatile crude oil prices,” said Das. What did the RBI say about inflation? During his address, Das said that the core inflation remains “sticky” or stubbornly high. He added, “Looking ahead, while inflation is expected to moderate in 2023-24, it is likely to rule above the 4.0 per cent target.” Last year, inflation had soared as high as 7.79 per cent in April, which prompted a series of hikes by the RBI in a bid to control it. ALSO READ | Loans, EMIs to get costlier after RBI hikes rates for the sixth time in a row “The global economic outlook doesn’t look as grim now as it did a few months ago, growth prospects in major economies have improved while inflation is on a descent though inflation still remains well above the target in major economies,” said the RBI governor. He added that unprecedented events in the past three years have put monetary policy across the world to the test. “Emerging market economies are facing sharp tradeoffs between supporting economic activity and controlling inflation while preserving policy credibility,” said Das. This time around, the central bank has lowered its inflation target for FY23 from 6.7 per cent to 6.5 per cent which is still above its 4.0 per cent goal. While the inflation for FY24 is expected to be 5.3 per cent, said the RBI. How did the market respond to the announcement? Indian shares held on Wednesday after the widely expected smaller interest rate hike delivered by the central bank. As the market neared closing time, the indices overall soared as Nifty gained 0.85 per cent and Sensex 0.63 per cent. Meanwhile, the Nifty 50 index jumped 150 to close at 17,871 while the S&P BSE Sensex rose 377 points to end above 60,600, at 60,633, as per the Mint. When is the next MPC meeting? The next meeting of the MPC is scheduled for April 3, 5 and 6, 2023 (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: RBI hikes the repo rate by 25 bps to 6.5 per cent. What does this mean?

Delhi Police on Sunday arrested two men for allegedly duping several applicants seeking jobs with the Indian Railways. The two arrested men, Sivaraman V and Vikas Rana are accused of falsely offering jobs to victims and making them count trains at the New Delhi Railway Station for several weeks.&nbsp;

According to the police, the victims paid almost Rs 200,000 ($2,400) to Rs 2.4 million ($29,528) each to secure their jobs as ticket examiners, traffic assistants or clerks.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/keralas-drug-issue-escalates-as-cases-jump-by-300-per-cent-in-six-years-559221">Kerala's drug issue escalates, as cases jump by 300 per cent in six years</a>

The deputy commissioner of police (EOW) MI Haider said that Rana, who is from Delhi, earlier used to work at the National Museum of Natural History but left his job last year in March. Sivaraman on the other hand is from Tamil Nadu, the Times Of India reported.&nbsp;

Officials&nbsp;have also identified Satender Dubey, a 35-year-old man from Bihar as the leader of the gang, who lived in Uttam Nagar, southwest Delhi. He and his 24-year-old accomplice are on the run.&nbsp;

A senior official told PTI that Rana placed two people and was paid Rs 6,000 ($72.5) for each placement, the Daily Pioneer reported.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-rushes-support-in-the-aftermath-of-turkiye-earthquake-559261">Also read |&nbsp;India rushes support in the aftermath of Türkiye earthquake</a>

He said, "Dubey floated the idea of engaging in a bigger scam and discussed his plan with Rana. He knew that Rana was in debt and had got his kidney operation done in 2017 for which he had also taken Rs 2 lakh ($ 2,418) loan from a bank and had to return money to others as well. Taking advantage of his financial crisis, Dubey convinced Rana to join him and dupe people on the pretext of getting them jobs in Indian Railways."

The investigation began in November last year.&nbsp;

Indian Railways is one of the world's largest employers.&nbsp;Scams for government jobs are rising, especially when millions of young individuals are desperate for stable and secure employment.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Delhi Police on Sunday arrested two men for allegedly duping several applicants seeking jobs with the Indian Railways. The two arrested men, Sivaraman V and Vikas Rana are accused of falsely offering jobs to victims and making them count trains at the New Delhi Railway Station for several weeks.

Delhi Police on Sunday arrested two men for allegedly duping several applicants seeking jobs with the Indian Railways. The two arrested men, Sivaraman V and Vikas Rana are accused of falsely offering jobs to victims and making them count trains at the New Delhi Railway Station for several weeks. According to the police, the victims paid almost Rs 200,000 ($2,400) to Rs 2.4 million ($29,528) each to secure their jobs as ticket examiners, traffic assistants or clerks. Also read | Kerala's drug issue escalates, as cases jump by 300 per cent in six years The deputy commissioner of police (EOW) MI Haider said that Rana, who is from Delhi, earlier used to work at the National Museum of Natural History but left his job last year in March. Sivaraman on the other hand is from Tamil Nadu, the Times Of India reported. Officials have also identified Satender Dubey, a 35-year-old man from Bihar as the leader of the gang, who lived in Uttam Nagar, southwest Delhi. He and his 24-year-old accomplice are on the run. A senior official told PTI that Rana placed two people and was paid Rs 6,000 ($72.5) for each placement, the Daily Pioneer reported. Also read | India rushes support in the aftermath of Türkiye earthquake He said, "Dubey floated the idea of engaging in a bigger scam and discussed his plan with Rana. He knew that Rana was in debt and had got his kidney operation done in 2017 for which he had also taken Rs 2 lakh ($ 2,418) loan from a bank and had to return money to others as well. Taking advantage of his financial crisis, Dubey convinced Rana to join him and dupe people on the pretext of getting them jobs in Indian Railways." The investigation began in November last year. Indian Railways is one of the world's largest employers. Scams for government jobs are rising, especially when millions of young individuals are desperate for stable and secure employment. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Train counting scam: Delhi police arrest two men for cheating railway job seekers

India’s former law minister and senior Supreme Court lawyer Shanti Bhushan passed away at his Delhi residence on Tuesday, following a brief illness. He was 97.&nbsp; 
Bhushan served as the law minister from 1977 to 1979 in the Morarji Desai cabinet. &nbsp;

During his active career, the eminent jurist was associated with various political parties. Initially&nbsp;with the Congress, he later joined Janata Party and was a member of the Rajya Sabha (upper house). He also had a six-year stint with the Bharatiya Janata Party.&nbsp;

Extending&nbsp;his condolences, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Bhushan for his exemplary contribution to the legal field.&nbsp;

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Shri Shanti Bhushan Ji will be remembered for his contribution to the legal field and passion towards speaking for the underprivileged. Pained by his passing away. Condolences to his family. Om Shanti.
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Bhushan’s sons are also among the most prominent lawyers in India. He was active in the legal profession till recently and had argued on a public interest litigation (PIL) case in the Supreme Court seeking a court-monitored probe into the Rafale fighter jets deal.&nbsp;

He along with his son Prashant Bhushan were among the founding members of the&nbsp;Aam Aadmi Party&nbsp;in 2012. Their association ended with the party.&nbsp;

In 1980, Shanti Bhushan founded his NGO 'Centre for Public Interest Litigation', which has filed several landmark PILs in the Supreme Court. &nbsp;

Shanti Bhushan appeared in several cases of public importance. He represented petitioner Raj Narain in the Allahabad High Court in a famous case in which the election of then prime minister Indira Gandhi was annulled for committing electoral malpractices.&nbsp; 
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India’s former law minister and senior Supreme Court lawyer Shanti Bhushan passed away at his Delhi residence on Tuesday, following a brief illness. He was 97. Bhushan served as the law minister from 1977 to 1979 in the Morarji Desai cabinet.

India’s former law minister and senior Supreme Court lawyer Shanti Bhushan passed away at his Delhi residence on Tuesday, following a brief illness. He was 97. Bhushan served as the law minister from 1977 to 1979 in the Morarji Desai cabinet. During his active career, the eminent jurist was associated with various political parties. Initially with the Congress, he later joined Janata Party and was a member of the Rajya Sabha (upper house). He also had a six-year stint with the Bharatiya Janata Party. Extending his condolences, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Bhushan for his exemplary contribution to the legal field. Shri Shanti Bhushan Ji will be remembered for his contribution to the legal field and passion towards speaking for the underprivileged. Pained by his passing away. Condolences to his family. Om Shanti. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 31, 2023 × Bhushan’s sons are also among the most prominent lawyers in India. He was active in the legal profession till recently and had argued on a public interest litigation (PIL) case in the Supreme Court seeking a court-monitored probe into the Rafale fighter jets deal. He along with his son Prashant Bhushan were among the founding members of the Aam Aadmi Party in 2012. Their association ended with the party. In 1980, Shanti Bhushan founded his NGO 'Centre for Public Interest Litigation', which has filed several landmark PILs in the Supreme Court. Shanti Bhushan appeared in several cases of public importance. He represented petitioner Raj Narain in the Allahabad High Court in a famous case in which the election of then prime minister Indira Gandhi was annulled for committing electoral malpractices. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India’s former law minister Shanti Bhushan dies at 97 

Earlier today (January 31), the Indian government released the Economic Survey 2022-23, ahead of the Union Budget. The document was tabled by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman a day before she presents the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The pre-budget document was released following Indian President Droupadi Murmu’s address to the joint sitting of the Houses of Parliament.&nbsp;

What is the Economic Survey?

The Economic Survey is a detailed report of the national economy&nbsp;at the end of a financial year. The pre-budget document will be released by the Indian government’s Chief Economic Adviser (CEA), V Anantha Nageswaran and gives an insight into the state of the country’s economy as well as the outlook for the upcoming year.&nbsp;

It is prepared by the Economic Division of the Department of Economic Affairs which is a part of the&nbsp;ministry of finance and formulated under the supervision of the CEA. The Economic Survey also&nbsp;highlights major developments in the programmes and government policy initiatives at the end of&nbsp;the financial year.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/economic-survey-2022-23-live-nirmala-sitharaman-to-table-the-pre-budget-document-today-557421">Economic Survey LIVE | President Murmu addresses Joint Session of Parliament</a>

When was it first presented?

The first Economic Survey was presented in 1950-51&nbsp;along with the Union&nbsp;Budget,&nbsp;however, since 1964 the survey&nbsp;has&nbsp;been separated.&nbsp;

History and changes to the Economic Survey

Previously, the survey was presented in just one volume with chapters dedicated to different key sectors of the economy including agriculture, manufacturing and services. While there were also sections for key policy areas which included employment, inflation, and so on. Notably, this volume also carries a detailed statistical abstract.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-economic-survey-to-show-65-gdp-growth-likely-in-2023-24-557443">India: Economic survey to show 6.5% GDP growth likely in 2023-24</a> 
 
For nearly a decade between 2010-11 and 2020-21, the pre-budget document was presented in two volumes which also included an intellectual imprint of the CEA and is said to deal with major issues and debates facing the economy. Notably, in 2016-17&nbsp;the economic survey did not include the detailed financial statistics of the government of India which is usually a part of the pre-budget document.&nbsp;

Last year’s central theme of the economic survey was the ‘Agile Approach’ that emphasised India’s economic response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was also based on feedback loops, real-time monitoring of actual outcomes, flexible responses, safety-net buffers, and so on, as per the preface of the document.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-economic-survey-likely-to-peg-2023-24-growth-at-slowest-in-three-years-source-557450">India economic survey likely to peg 2023-24 growth at slowest in three years: Source</a> 
 
Why is it important?

Notably, this year's&nbsp;Economic Survey and Union Budget&nbsp;will be the last&nbsp;of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government&nbsp;in its second term before the next Lok Sabha election in 2024. Furthermore, the findings of the upcoming survey will show the true extent of recovery in the Indian economy.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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Earlier today (January 31), the Indian government released the Economic Survey 2022-23, ahead of the Union Budget. The document was tabled by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman a day before she presents the budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

Earlier today (January 31), the Indian government released the Economic Survey 2022-23, ahead of the Union Budget. The document was tabled by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman a day before she presents the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The pre-budget document was released following Indian President Droupadi Murmu’s address to the joint sitting of the Houses of Parliament. What is the Economic Survey? The Economic Survey is a detailed report of the national economy at the end of a financial year. The pre-budget document will be released by the Indian government’s Chief Economic Adviser (CEA), V Anantha Nageswaran and gives an insight into the state of the country’s economy as well as the outlook for the upcoming year. It is prepared by the Economic Division of the Department of Economic Affairs which is a part of the ministry of finance and formulated under the supervision of the CEA. The Economic Survey also highlights major developments in the programmes and government policy initiatives at the end of the financial year. ALSO READ | Economic Survey LIVE | President Murmu addresses Joint Session of Parliament When was it first presented? The first Economic Survey was presented in 1950-51 along with the Union Budget, however, since 1964 the survey has been separated. History and changes to the Economic Survey Previously, the survey was presented in just one volume with chapters dedicated to different key sectors of the economy including agriculture, manufacturing and services. While there were also sections for key policy areas which included employment, inflation, and so on. Notably, this volume also carries a detailed statistical abstract. ALSO WATCH | India: Economic survey to show 6.5% GDP growth likely in 2023-24 For nearly a decade between 2010-11 and 2020-21, the pre-budget document was presented in two volumes which also included an intellectual imprint of the CEA and is said to deal with major issues and debates facing the economy. Notably, in 2016-17 the economic survey did not include the detailed financial statistics of the government of India which is usually a part of the pre-budget document. Last year’s central theme of the economic survey was the ‘Agile Approach’ that emphasised India’s economic response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was also based on feedback loops, real-time monitoring of actual outcomes, flexible responses, safety-net buffers, and so on, as per the preface of the document. ALSO READ | India economic survey likely to peg 2023-24 growth at slowest in three years: Source Why is it important? Notably, this year's Economic Survey and Union Budget will be the last of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government in its second term before the next Lok Sabha election in 2024. Furthermore, the findings of the upcoming survey will show the true extent of recovery in the Indian economy. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: What is India's Economic Survey?

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) released its World Economic Outlook update on Monday (January 30), in which they said global growth is set to be higher than expected this year. This has largely been attributed to strong consumption and increased investment. The forecasted growth for 2023 is 0.2 percentage points higher than predicted in its previous outlook released in October 2022.&nbsp;

What does the report say about the global outlook?

According to the report, global growth is projected to fall from an estimated 3.4 per cent in 2022 to 2.9 per cent in 2023, then rise to 3.1 per cent the year after. Furthermore, it predicts a decline in global inflation from 8.8 per cent in 2022 to 6.6 per cent in 2023 and 4.3 per cent in 2024 but it remains at least 3.5 per cent above the pre-pandemic level between 2017 and 2019. This has largely been attributed to the fact that “adverse risks” have been “moderated” since the last report in October.&nbsp;

The Washington-based lender has also noted how Russia’s war in Ukraine, as well as the central banks across different countries increasing their interest rates in a bid to combat inflation, continue to weigh on economic activity. However, China re-opening after the rapid spread of COVID-19 in the country, last year,&nbsp;has also paved the way for a “faster-than-expected recovery” and accelerating vaccination rates in the country would safeguard this recovery, said the IMF report. It added, “severe health outcomes in China could “hold back” this progress.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/chinas-economy-grows-3-in-2022-hit-by-covid-restrictions-553375">Hit by Covid restrictions, China's economy grew just 3% in 2022</a>

Another factor that could affect global growth is an escalation in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and tighter global financing costs which could worsen debt distress, as per the report. While the news of adverse inflation could suddenly re-price financial markets and further “geopolitical fragmentation” could hamper economic progress.&nbsp;

The report also mentioned reasons like stronger-than-expected consumption and investment in the third quarter of 2022 as well as a robust labour market and strong consumer balance sheets for an overall rise in predicted growth. “The year ahead will still be challenging...but it could well represent a turning point with growth bottoming out and inflation declining,” said the IMF chief economist, Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas, while addressing a press conference, as per AFP.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/imf-warns-of-darkening-global-economic-playout-497236">IMF warns of 'darkening' global economic playout</a>

The IMF chief economist also said that the risk of the world facing a recession has been subdued and that central banks are making progress on controlling inflation.

India retains its ‘bright spot’ status

The global projections for India have remained unchanged since the last outlook report by the IMF which predicted a 6.8 per cent growth for this current fiscal year until March, said Gourinchas. He added, “we're expecting some slowdown to 6.1 per cent in fiscal year 2023. And that is largely driven by external factors”. The report also noted this aspect but said that India may continue with, “resilient domestic demand despite external headwinds.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/imf-lifts-2023-growth-forecast-in-world-economic-outlook-report-india-remains-a-bright-spot-557448">IMF lifts 2023 growth forecast in World Economic Outlook report; India remains 'a bright spot'</a>

“I want to say, we had a positive view on India in our October forecast. That positive view is largely unchanged,” Gourinchas said in response to a question. In his blog, he also went on to say that India remains a bright spot and along with China it would account for half of the global growth this year.&nbsp;

China expected to witness a sharp rise in growth after reopening&nbsp;

After China dropped its zero-Covid policies following protests in December, the IMF in its recent report has predicted a sharply high global outlook which has been raised to 5.2 per cent from the previous 4.4 per cent. This comes after its growth rate last year was slashed to 3 per cent which was not only below the world average but also marked the first time it had been so low in the last four decades or so.&nbsp;

ALSO READ&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/chinas-economy-witnesses-an-upsurge-in-january-official-pmi-shows-557482">China's economy saw an upsurge in January, official PMI shows</a>

However, the expected rise in growth may be short-lived as it might fall back to 4.4 per cent, as per the report. The Washington-based fund agency has attributed this possible decline to “business dynamism and slow progress on structural reforms.” According to Gourinchas, while the reopening of China could put some pressure on commodity prices, the IMF largely views the ease in restrictions as to “benefit to the global economy”. He added that it will help ease production bottlenecks which have worsened inflation recently and by the creation of demand from Chinese households.&nbsp;

The US, UK and eurozone

In its recently updated outlook, the IMF also predicted that US GDP will grow by 1.4 per cent from one per cent, as mentioned in its previous report, which could be due to stronger-than-expected consumption and investment in the third quarter of 2022. Meanwhile, the eurozone, which is a group of 20 countries in the European Union that use euros as its primary currency, may also see some growth in their GDP which has increased from 0.5 per cent in last year’s report to 0.7 per cent in the updated version.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-economy-performed-better-than-expected-in-final-months-of-last-year-556309">US economy performed better than expected in final months of last year</a>

However, things are not looking good for the United Kingdom which was one of the only major advanced economies Group of Seven that the IMF predicted to be in recession in 2023 as well as a sharp downgrade in growth this year. According to the recent report, Britain might see a decline of 0.6 per cent in GDP as households continue to struggle with the cost of living crisis.&nbsp;

According to the IMF, the UK has particularly suffered after the rise in fuel prices following the Russian invasion of Ukraine due to its heavy reliance on gas for power generation. This also came as the country faced mass walkouts over wage disputes and working conditions from virtually every sector in the country, which led to a shortage of workers and further slowed down the economy.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-nurses-in-uk-launch-fresh-strikes-thousands-of-patients-to-be-hit-by-disruptions-553890">WION Dispatch: Nurses in UK launch fresh strikes, thousands of patients to be hit by disruptions</a>

Subsequently, in a bid to control inflation the Bank of England announced interest rate hikes. The IMF chief economist believes that this is because of all these factors which have “lead to a fairly sharp retrenchment of activity in 2023”. He added this comes after the UK was expected to account for one of the highest growth rates in 2022 among European countries at 4.1 per cent, as per Reuters.&nbsp;

Outlook for ASEAN countries&nbsp;

The group of ten member countries in Southeast Asia, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, are set to witness downgrades to their 2023 growth outlooks. This has been attributed to the global economic slowdown which has outweighed the benefits and positive impact of China’s reopening after COVID-19.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/imf-cuts-global-growth-forecast-for-2023-warns-the-worst-is-yet-to-come-524617">IMF cuts global growth forecast for 2023, warns ‘the worst is yet to come’</a>

This prompted the IMF to reduce Singapore’s GDP outlook for 2023 from 2.3 per cent in the previous forecast to 1.5 per cent in the updated one, said Gourinchas, as per Reuters. Additionally, the overall growth predictions for ASEAN-5 (group of five countries, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand), were reduced to 4.3 per cent from 4.5 per cent.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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The International Monetary Fund (IMF) released its World Economic Outlook update on Monday (January 30), in which they said global growth is set to be higher than expected this year.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) released its World Economic Outlook update on Monday (January 30), in which they said global growth is set to be higher than expected this year. This has largely been attributed to strong consumption and increased investment. The forecasted growth for 2023 is 0.2 percentage points higher than predicted in its previous outlook released in October 2022. What does the report say about the global outlook? According to the report, global growth is projected to fall from an estimated 3.4 per cent in 2022 to 2.9 per cent in 2023, then rise to 3.1 per cent the year after. Furthermore, it predicts a decline in global inflation from 8.8 per cent in 2022 to 6.6 per cent in 2023 and 4.3 per cent in 2024 but it remains at least 3.5 per cent above the pre-pandemic level between 2017 and 2019. This has largely been attributed to the fact that “adverse risks” have been “moderated” since the last report in October. The Washington-based lender has also noted how Russia’s war in Ukraine, as well as the central banks across different countries increasing their interest rates in a bid to combat inflation, continue to weigh on economic activity. However, China re-opening after the rapid spread of COVID-19 in the country, last year, has also paved the way for a “faster-than-expected recovery” and accelerating vaccination rates in the country would safeguard this recovery, said the IMF report. It added, “severe health outcomes in China could “hold back” this progress. ALSO READ | Hit by Covid restrictions, China's economy grew just 3% in 2022 Another factor that could affect global growth is an escalation in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and tighter global financing costs which could worsen debt distress, as per the report. While the news of adverse inflation could suddenly re-price financial markets and further “geopolitical fragmentation” could hamper economic progress. The report also mentioned reasons like stronger-than-expected consumption and investment in the third quarter of 2022 as well as a robust labour market and strong consumer balance sheets for an overall rise in predicted growth. “The year ahead will still be challenging...but it could well represent a turning point with growth bottoming out and inflation declining,” said the IMF chief economist, Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas, while addressing a press conference, as per AFP. ALSO WATCH | IMF warns of 'darkening' global economic playout The IMF chief economist also said that the risk of the world facing a recession has been subdued and that central banks are making progress on controlling inflation. India retains its ‘bright spot’ status The global projections for India have remained unchanged since the last outlook report by the IMF which predicted a 6.8 per cent growth for this current fiscal year until March, said Gourinchas. He added, “we're expecting some slowdown to 6.1 per cent in fiscal year 2023. And that is largely driven by external factors”. The report also noted this aspect but said that India may continue with, “resilient domestic demand despite external headwinds.” ALSO READ | IMF lifts 2023 growth forecast in World Economic Outlook report; India remains 'a bright spot' “I want to say, we had a positive view on India in our October forecast. That positive view is largely unchanged,” Gourinchas said in response to a question. In his blog, he also went on to say that India remains a bright spot and along with China it would account for half of the global growth this year. China expected to witness a sharp rise in growth after reopening After China dropped its zero-Covid policies following protests in December, the IMF in its recent report has predicted a sharply high global outlook which has been raised to 5.2 per cent from the previous 4.4 per cent. This comes after its growth rate last year was slashed to 3 per cent which was not only below the world average but also marked the first time it had been so low in the last four decades or so. ALSO READ | China's economy saw an upsurge in January, official PMI shows However, the expected rise in growth may be short-lived as it might fall back to 4.4 per cent, as per the report. The Washington-based fund agency has attributed this possible decline to “business dynamism and slow progress on structural reforms.” According to Gourinchas, while the reopening of China could put some pressure on commodity prices, the IMF largely views the ease in restrictions as to “benefit to the global economy”. He added that it will help ease production bottlenecks which have worsened inflation recently and by the creation of demand from Chinese households. The US, UK and eurozone In its recently updated outlook, the IMF also predicted that US GDP will grow by 1.4 per cent from one per cent, as mentioned in its previous report, which could be due to stronger-than-expected consumption and investment in the third quarter of 2022. Meanwhile, the eurozone, which is a group of 20 countries in the European Union that use euros as its primary currency, may also see some growth in their GDP which has increased from 0.5 per cent in last year’s report to 0.7 per cent in the updated version. ALSO READ | US economy performed better than expected in final months of last year However, things are not looking good for the United Kingdom which was one of the only major advanced economies Group of Seven that the IMF predicted to be in recession in 2023 as well as a sharp downgrade in growth this year. According to the recent report, Britain might see a decline of 0.6 per cent in GDP as households continue to struggle with the cost of living crisis. According to the IMF, the UK has particularly suffered after the rise in fuel prices following the Russian invasion of Ukraine due to its heavy reliance on gas for power generation. This also came as the country faced mass walkouts over wage disputes and working conditions from virtually every sector in the country, which led to a shortage of workers and further slowed down the economy. ALSO WATCH | WION Dispatch: Nurses in UK launch fresh strikes, thousands of patients to be hit by disruptions Subsequently, in a bid to control inflation the Bank of England announced interest rate hikes. The IMF chief economist believes that this is because of all these factors which have “lead to a fairly sharp retrenchment of activity in 2023”. He added this comes after the UK was expected to account for one of the highest growth rates in 2022 among European countries at 4.1 per cent, as per Reuters. Outlook for ASEAN countries The group of ten member countries in Southeast Asia, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, are set to witness downgrades to their 2023 growth outlooks. This has been attributed to the global economic slowdown which has outweighed the benefits and positive impact of China’s reopening after COVID-19. ALSO WATCH | IMF cuts global growth forecast for 2023, warns ‘the worst is yet to come’ This prompted the IMF to reduce Singapore’s GDP outlook for 2023 from 2.3 per cent in the previous forecast to 1.5 per cent in the updated one, said Gourinchas, as per Reuters. Additionally, the overall growth predictions for ASEAN-5 (group of five countries, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand), were reduced to 4.3 per cent from 4.5 per cent. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. 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Explained: IMF lifts 2023 global growth forecast in World Economic Outlook updated report

Indian businessman Pramod Mittal was charged in Bosnia on Thursday with heading an organised crime group and abuse of office while he was head of the supervisory board and co-owner of a coke plant in the northeastern town of Lukavac. 
 
Mittal, the younger brother of Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, was charged with "heading an organised crime group" that allegedly helped him syphon nearly 11 million euros (USD 12 million) from Global Ispat Koksna Industrija Lukavac (GIKIL). He co-owned the plant near Tuzla in northeastern Bosnia with the local government. 
 
Other charges include illegally taking over control of the metallurgical coke producer despite failing to invest 23 million euros, or more than half the amount he committed to invest in 2003 in return for the 51 per cent stake in the company. 
 
Seven others, including two Indian and five&nbsp;Bosnian former members of the company's management, have been charged with Mittal on charges including organised crime, corruption and abuse of office. 
 
Mittal and the other two Indians&nbsp;-- GIKIL's former general manager, Paramesh Bhattacharyya, and an ex-member of its supervisory board, Razib Dash&nbsp;had been arrested in Bosnia in summer 2019. But they were released and left the country after agreeing to post bail of 1 million euros, in the case of Mittal, and 250,000 euros for the other two. All three remain outside Bosnia. 
 
In 2019, the cantonal court in Tuzla had ordered Mittal to also deposit nearly 11 million euros for alleged damages to GIKIL. 
 
In a statement announcing the indictment on Thursday, the court said the prosecutors had filed a request to revoke bail and order Mittal and the other Indians charged to be re-arrested and returned to jail over their repeated failure to appear for investigative hearings in Tuzla. 
 
It was not immediately clear whether any of the people charged had formally responded to the charges. 
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Indian businessman Pramod Mittal was charged in Bosnia on Thursday with heading an organised crime group and abuse of office while he was head of the supervisory board and co-owner of a coke plant in the northeastern town of Lukavac.

Indian businessman Pramod Mittal was charged in Bosnia on Thursday with heading an organised crime group and abuse of office while he was head of the supervisory board and co-owner of a coke plant in the northeastern town of Lukavac. Mittal, the younger brother of Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, was charged with "heading an organised crime group" that allegedly helped him syphon nearly 11 million euros (USD 12 million) from Global Ispat Koksna Industrija Lukavac (GIKIL). He co-owned the plant near Tuzla in northeastern Bosnia with the local government. Other charges include illegally taking over control of the metallurgical coke producer despite failing to invest 23 million euros, or more than half the amount he committed to invest in 2003 in return for the 51 per cent stake in the company. Seven others, including two Indian and five Bosnian former members of the company's management, have been charged with Mittal on charges including organised crime, corruption and abuse of office. Mittal and the other two Indians -- GIKIL's former general manager, Paramesh Bhattacharyya, and an ex-member of its supervisory board, Razib Dash had been arrested in Bosnia in summer 2019. But they were released and left the country after agreeing to post bail of 1 million euros, in the case of Mittal, and 250,000 euros for the other two. All three remain outside Bosnia. In 2019, the cantonal court in Tuzla had ordered Mittal to also deposit nearly 11 million euros for alleged damages to GIKIL. In a statement announcing the indictment on Thursday, the court said the prosecutors had filed a request to revoke bail and order Mittal and the other Indians charged to be re-arrested and returned to jail over their repeated failure to appear for investigative hearings in Tuzla. It was not immediately clear whether any of the people charged had formally responded to the charges. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Bosnia: Indian businessman charged with organised crime

This year India marks its 74th Republic Day with a focus on self-reliance or ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ across the country including its defence. In accordance with this, all Army equipment used during this year’s parade will be indigenously-built. It will also be the first time that tanks, weaponry and soldiers will march down Kartavya Path, the ceremonial boulevard, in New Delhi, previously known as Rajpath.&nbsp;

In a bid to shed colonial-era vestiges, India has made several changes in the past couple of years, therefore, this Republic Day would also mark the first time that the 21-gun salute to the President of India and the National Flag will be given using indigenous-built 105-mm Indian Field Guns (IFG) as opposed to the previously used Army’s British-era 25-pounder guns.&nbsp;

“We are transitioning towards indigenisation and the time is not far when all our equipment will be ‘swadeshi’. All equipment from the Army that will be showcased during the 74th Republic Day celebrations are made in India,” said the Chief of Staff Delhi Area Major, General Bhavnish Kumar, earlier this week. He also spoke about how this move is in line with New Delhi’s push for ‘Make in India’.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/republic-day-2023-meet-the-women-officers-who-are-leading-various-contingents-at-rday-parade-555766">Republic Day 2023: Meet the women officers who are leading various contingents at R'day parade</a>

The week-long celebrations for Republic Day began on Monday (January 23) and will end on January 30 which is observed as Martyrs’ Day.&nbsp;

What is the 21-gun salute?

The 21-gun salute commences when the sword of the Commandant of President’s Body Guards (PBG) comes down at the shout of ‘Rashtriya Salute’ for the President and the national flag during the Republic Day parade and is carried out while the national anthem is playing. The 21-gun salute is&nbsp;conducted by a specifically-designed cartridge or a blank round which is used to create the sound of firing as opposed to actual shells being fired.&nbsp;

Furthermore, salute is executed by&nbsp;seven artillery guns which fire three rounds at intervals of 2.25 seconds as the 52-second national anthem is played. A senior Army personnel told PTI, in 2017, "ideally all seven fire in a cyclical fashion until the 21st round is fired when hay of...jay jay hay is being sung or played".&nbsp; 
 
It is traditionally the highest honour given to a person and was adopted by India from the British. Notably, to this day, every new president is honoured with the 21-gun salute after they are sworn in as well as on Republic Day.&nbsp;

From British-era 25-pounder guns to 105-mm Indian Field Guns

So far, the symbolic 21-gun salute was given using Army’s British-era 25-pounder guns which were designed and made in the 1940s, right before World War II, by the British. They have previously been described as versatile and accurate by the Indian Army due to their ability to function in extreme weather conditions. The ‘25-pounders’ were also used when India went to war in 1965 and 1971 with Pakistan but was decommissioned in the early 1990s and have since been used for ceremonial purposes.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/egyptian-president-abdel-fattah-el-sisi-arrives-in-india-for-republic-day-meets-president-pm-modi-555848">Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi arrives in India for Republic Day, meets President &amp; PM Modi</a>

However, for this Republic Day, the Indian government decided to replace the British-era gun with 105 mm Indian Field Guns (IFG). Designed and developed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) in 1972, IFGs have been produced in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh’s city of Jabalpur by Gun Carriage Factory (GCF) and Field Gun Factory, Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh and have been in service since 1984.&nbsp;

“Since the 105 mm Indian Field Gun is an indigenised gun, so we want to use this to replace the 25-pounder guns used earlier for the 21-Gun Salute. And, it is a matter of pride that we are showcasing our indigenous gun for this too”, said Major General Kumar, during a press conference, earlier this week. He also spoke about how these field guns are compact, light and can also be airdropped.&nbsp;

What else will the Army showcase during this year’s parade?

The parade will begin at around 10:30 am (local time) and will be preceded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi laying a wreath to pay his respects to those who lost their lives fighting for the nation. This will be followed by the unfurling of the national flag and the national anthem along with the 21-gun salute which will be carried out by the indigenously-built 105 mm IFG.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-india-invites-egypts-president-fattah-el-sisi-for-republic-day-2023-537250">Exclusive: India invites Egypt's President Fattah El-Sisi for Republic Day 2023</a>

As mentioned earlier, all the equipment from the Army that will be showcased during the 74th Republic Day celebrations will be made in India. During the parade, it will march in nine mechanised columns which will include two Akash surface-to-air missile systems led by Lieutenant Chetana Sharma.&nbsp;

Additionally, ALH (Advanced Light Helicopter) Dhruv and its weaponised version Rudra will also participate in the parade. The 90-minute parade from Vijay Chowk to the Red Fort through the Kartavya Path will also comprise three MBT Arjun MK I,&nbsp;one BrahMos missile, Main Battle Tank Arjun, NAG missile system, Infantry Combat Vehicle of BMP-2 Sarath, K-9 Vajra-tracked self-propelled Howitzer gun, 10 Short Span Bridge, and so on, reported ANI.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
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This year India marks its 74th Republic Day with a focus on self-reliance or ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ across the country including its defence. In accordance with this, all Army equipment used during this year’s parade will be indigenously-built.

This year India marks its 74th Republic Day with a focus on self-reliance or ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ across the country including its defence. In accordance with this, all Army equipment used during this year’s parade will be indigenously-built. It will also be the first time that tanks, weaponry and soldiers will march down Kartavya Path, the ceremonial boulevard, in New Delhi, previously known as Rajpath. In a bid to shed colonial-era vestiges, India has made several changes in the past couple of years, therefore, this Republic Day would also mark the first time that the 21-gun salute to the President of India and the National Flag will be given using indigenous-built 105-mm Indian Field Guns (IFG) as opposed to the previously used Army’s British-era 25-pounder guns. “We are transitioning towards indigenisation and the time is not far when all our equipment will be ‘swadeshi’. All equipment from the Army that will be showcased during the 74th Republic Day celebrations are made in India,” said the Chief of Staff Delhi Area Major, General Bhavnish Kumar, earlier this week. He also spoke about how this move is in line with New Delhi’s push for ‘Make in India’. ALSO READ | Republic Day 2023: Meet the women officers who are leading various contingents at R'day parade The week-long celebrations for Republic Day began on Monday (January 23) and will end on January 30 which is observed as Martyrs’ Day. What is the 21-gun salute? The 21-gun salute commences when the sword of the Commandant of President’s Body Guards (PBG) comes down at the shout of ‘Rashtriya Salute’ for the President and the national flag during the Republic Day parade and is carried out while the national anthem is playing. The 21-gun salute is conducted by a specifically-designed cartridge or a blank round which is used to create the sound of firing as opposed to actual shells being fired. Furthermore, salute is executed by seven artillery guns which fire three rounds at intervals of 2.25 seconds as the 52-second national anthem is played. A senior Army personnel told PTI, in 2017, "ideally all seven fire in a cyclical fashion until the 21st round is fired when hay of...jay jay hay is being sung or played". It is traditionally the highest honour given to a person and was adopted by India from the British. Notably, to this day, every new president is honoured with the 21-gun salute after they are sworn in as well as on Republic Day. From British-era 25-pounder guns to 105-mm Indian Field Guns So far, the symbolic 21-gun salute was given using Army’s British-era 25-pounder guns which were designed and made in the 1940s, right before World War II, by the British. They have previously been described as versatile and accurate by the Indian Army due to their ability to function in extreme weather conditions. The ‘25-pounders’ were also used when India went to war in 1965 and 1971 with Pakistan but was decommissioned in the early 1990s and have since been used for ceremonial purposes. ALSO WATCH | Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi arrives in India for Republic Day, meets President & PM Modi However, for this Republic Day, the Indian government decided to replace the British-era gun with 105 mm Indian Field Guns (IFG). Designed and developed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) in 1972, IFGs have been produced in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh’s city of Jabalpur by Gun Carriage Factory (GCF) and Field Gun Factory, Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh and have been in service since 1984. “Since the 105 mm Indian Field Gun is an indigenised gun, so we want to use this to replace the 25-pounder guns used earlier for the 21-Gun Salute. And, it is a matter of pride that we are showcasing our indigenous gun for this too”, said Major General Kumar, during a press conference, earlier this week. He also spoke about how these field guns are compact, light and can also be airdropped. What else will the Army showcase during this year’s parade? The parade will begin at around 10:30 am (local time) and will be preceded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi laying a wreath to pay his respects to those who lost their lives fighting for the nation. This will be followed by the unfurling of the national flag and the national anthem along with the 21-gun salute which will be carried out by the indigenously-built 105 mm IFG. ALSO READ | Exclusive: India invites Egypt's President Fattah El-Sisi for Republic Day 2023 As mentioned earlier, all the equipment from the Army that will be showcased during the 74th Republic Day celebrations will be made in India. During the parade, it will march in nine mechanised columns which will include two Akash surface-to-air missile systems led by Lieutenant Chetana Sharma. Additionally, ALH (Advanced Light Helicopter) Dhruv and its weaponised version Rudra will also participate in the parade. The 90-minute parade from Vijay Chowk to the Red Fort through the Kartavya Path will also comprise three MBT Arjun MK I, one BrahMos missile, Main Battle Tank Arjun, NAG missile system, Infantry Combat Vehicle of BMP-2 Sarath, K-9 Vajra-tracked self-propelled Howitzer gun, 10 Short Span Bridge, and so on, reported ANI. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Republic Day 2023: This year’s R-Day parade 21-gun salute will be different. Here’s why

The Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) and other Indian academia have to make a major contribution in emerging countries by focusing on providing free education and low-cost certification in technical courses, said representatives of academia and research groups.

They were referring to the&nbsp;National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL), which&nbsp;has the world's largest online repository of courses in basic sciences, engineering, humanities, and social sciences subjects.

Created by seven IITs and the Indian Institute of Science, the NPTEL has over 56,000 hours of video content and is said to be the most accessed library of peer-reviewed educational content in the world.&nbsp;Since 2014,&nbsp;NPTEL has been offering open online courses, along with certificates from the IITs/IISc for those who successfully complete the course. The courses are free for enrolment and learning, however,&nbsp; the certification examination conducted upon course completion is optional and has a fee.

Prof. Subash S,&nbsp;faculty&nbsp;of Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, IIT Madras, explained to WION that the massively open online courses (MOOC) model can be replicated in the global south. "Open platforms built by academia can enhance the skill of the aspirants who haven't been able to make it to top institutions or afford an education there. It not only up-skills the youth, but also makes them future-ready," he said.&nbsp;

Dr&nbsp;Seshadri Chari, member of&nbsp;Governing Board and Governing Council, RIS, told WION that India has missed the bus during the first, second, and third iterations of the Industrial Revolution and that the country is better poised to handle the Fourth Industrial Revolution. He attributed this statement to the changes in academic curricula, emphasis on research than mere theory, and the scaling up of institutions focused on technology, life sciences, medical research etc.&nbsp;

He reasoned that the startups and Micro Small &amp; Medium Industries are getting strengthened and growing in numbers, and openng&nbsp;up vast opportunities for those graduating from IITs and academia. Regarding India's ability to contribute to emerging nations, he said that India promotes the idea of development partnership (as opposed to development aid) and is a participant in the growth of other countries, and can help create a combination of skill and wealth.

As part of the 'G20 University Connect' Lecture Series, members of the academia and researchers had addressed school and college students from across backgrounds&nbsp;at the IIT-Madras campus in Chennai. They had explained the significance of India having assumed the presidency of the G20 this year and the impact that it would have. The students were also sensitised about the processes involved and how youth could contribute to the larger efforts.&nbsp;

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The Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) and other Indian academia have to make a major contribution in emerging countries by focusing on providing free education and low-cost certification in technical courses, said representatives of academia and research groups.

The Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) and other Indian academia have to make a major contribution in emerging countries by focusing on providing free education and low-cost certification in technical courses, said representatives of academia and research groups. They were referring to the National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL), which has the world's largest online repository of courses in basic sciences, engineering, humanities, and social sciences subjects. Created by seven IITs and the Indian Institute of Science, the NPTEL has over 56,000 hours of video content and is said to be the most accessed library of peer-reviewed educational content in the world. Since 2014, NPTEL has been offering open online courses, along with certificates from the IITs/IISc for those who successfully complete the course. The courses are free for enrolment and learning, however, the certification examination conducted upon course completion is optional and has a fee. Prof. Subash S, faculty of Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, IIT Madras, explained to WION that the massively open online courses (MOOC) model can be replicated in the global south. "Open platforms built by academia can enhance the skill of the aspirants who haven't been able to make it to top institutions or afford an education there. It not only up-skills the youth, but also makes them future-ready," he said. Dr Seshadri Chari, member of Governing Board and Governing Council, RIS, told WION that India has missed the bus during the first, second, and third iterations of the Industrial Revolution and that the country is better poised to handle the Fourth Industrial Revolution. He attributed this statement to the changes in academic curricula, emphasis on research than mere theory, and the scaling up of institutions focused on technology, life sciences, medical research etc. He reasoned that the startups and Micro Small & Medium Industries are getting strengthened and growing in numbers, and openng up vast opportunities for those graduating from IITs and academia. Regarding India's ability to contribute to emerging nations, he said that India promotes the idea of development partnership (as opposed to development aid) and is a participant in the growth of other countries, and can help create a combination of skill and wealth. As part of the 'G20 University Connect' Lecture Series, members of the academia and researchers had addressed school and college students from across backgrounds at the IIT-Madras campus in Chennai. They had explained the significance of India having assumed the presidency of the G20 this year and the impact that it would have. The students were also sensitised about the processes involved and how youth could contribute to the larger efforts. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

IITs, Indian academia can offer open-source online education to G20 emerging nations, say experts

The Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT) has recently developed BharOS which is set to benefit 100 crore (one billion) smartphone users across the country by offering them a more secure and private mobile operating system. While Google’s Android and Apple’s iOS continue to dominate the mobile operating system sector, which is the core interface of a smartphone, the new indigenously developed software could potentially challenge the former.&nbsp;

What is BharOS?

The Indian government-funded project, BharOS is an AOSP (Android Open Source Project) based operating system. Unlike Android, it does not have default Google apps or services, which implies that users will not be forced to opt for applications that they are unfamiliar with or do not trust.&nbsp;

Developed by the IIT-Madras incubated non-profit JandK Operations Private Limited (JandKops) the free and open-source operating system (OS) will be used in government and public systems. This was in line with the project’s aim to reduce the reliance on foreign OS in smartphones and contribute significantly to ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-mumbai-expressway-everything-you-need-to-know-about-one-of-indias-largest-infrastructure-projects-555162">Delhi-Mumbai expressway: Everything you need to know about one of India’s largest infrastructure projects</a>

Is it different from Android?

In terms of technicalities, it is quite similar to the Android OS but without any Google services which let users decide which apps they wish to install on their device. In fact, it is based on AOSP therefore despite being known as an indigenous operating system it essentially has one key difference which is its No Default Apps (NDA) feature. The institute claims that it will give users more control, freedom, and flexibility to choose apps that cater to their needs.&nbsp;

Additionally, the developers have said that it is better than both Android and iOS in terms of features and security as well as could offer better battery life for the device, reported the Indian Express. Similar to Android, the BharOS also offers “Native Over The Air” (NOTA) updates which means software updates will automatically get downloaded and installed on the device.&nbsp;

Privacy and security features&nbsp;

As mentioned earlier, privacy and security were among the main focus behind creating BharOS, in addition to NDA, the mobile operating system also gives its users access to trusted apps from company-specific Private App Store Services (PASS).&nbsp;

In a statement, the developers said, “A PASS provides access to a curated list of apps that have been thoroughly vetted and have met certain security and privacy standards of organisations. This means users can be confident that the apps they are installing are safe to use and have been checked for any potential security vulnerabilities or privacy concerns.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-install-new-machines-at-airports-passengers-wont-have-to-remove-electronic-devices-from-bag-545378">India to install new scanners at airports; passengers won't have to remove electronic devices from bag</a>

Therefore, BharOS services are now reportedly being supplied to those users and organisations that handle sensitive information and data that require strong privacy and security requirements.&nbsp;

Can you install BharOS on your device?

Reports suggest that BharOS will be available on a range of devices including laptops, phones, as well as desktops, however, it is still being developed and its release date has not been announced yet. Furthermore, unlike Windows OS, a single build of BharOS cannot be installed on all Android phones, therefore, even after the wider roll-out might not be available for all devices. So far, it is reportedly said to be compatible with Google Pixel smartphones but there is no official confirmation by the developers.&nbsp;

BharOS: What we know so far about the current version

Notably, the current version of BharOS comes with third-party apps like DuckDuckGo and Signal as default browsers and messaging apps. Additionally, since there are no pre-installed apps and users can sideload any app of their choice which could potentially compromise the device’s security and make it vulnerable to hacking, noted a report by the Indian Express.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/microsoft-and-isro-team-up-to-support-indian-space-tech-startups-549920">Microsoft and ISRO team up to support Indian space-tech startups</a>

There is also no clarity on how a user can replace their current operating system with BharOS or if the developers will join hands with the OEM to launch the smartphone which supports the indigenously built mobile operating system. However, reports suggest that the developers are expected to collaborate with some smartphone manufacturers to launch cell phones with BharOS.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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The Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT) has recently developed BharOS which is set to benefit 100 crore (one billion) smartphone users across the country by offering them a more secure and private mobile operating system.

The Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT) has recently developed BharOS which is set to benefit 100 crore (one billion) smartphone users across the country by offering them a more secure and private mobile operating system. While Google’s Android and Apple’s iOS continue to dominate the mobile operating system sector, which is the core interface of a smartphone, the new indigenously developed software could potentially challenge the former. What is BharOS? The Indian government-funded project, BharOS is an AOSP (Android Open Source Project) based operating system. Unlike Android, it does not have default Google apps or services, which implies that users will not be forced to opt for applications that they are unfamiliar with or do not trust. Developed by the IIT-Madras incubated non-profit JandK Operations Private Limited (JandKops) the free and open-source operating system (OS) will be used in government and public systems. This was in line with the project’s aim to reduce the reliance on foreign OS in smartphones and contribute significantly to ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. ALSO READ | Delhi-Mumbai expressway: Everything you need to know about one of India’s largest infrastructure projects Is it different from Android? In terms of technicalities, it is quite similar to the Android OS but without any Google services which let users decide which apps they wish to install on their device. In fact, it is based on AOSP therefore despite being known as an indigenous operating system it essentially has one key difference which is its No Default Apps (NDA) feature. The institute claims that it will give users more control, freedom, and flexibility to choose apps that cater to their needs. Additionally, the developers have said that it is better than both Android and iOS in terms of features and security as well as could offer better battery life for the device, reported the Indian Express. Similar to Android, the BharOS also offers “Native Over The Air” (NOTA) updates which means software updates will automatically get downloaded and installed on the device. Privacy and security features As mentioned earlier, privacy and security were among the main focus behind creating BharOS, in addition to NDA, the mobile operating system also gives its users access to trusted apps from company-specific Private App Store Services (PASS). In a statement, the developers said, “A PASS provides access to a curated list of apps that have been thoroughly vetted and have met certain security and privacy standards of organisations. This means users can be confident that the apps they are installing are safe to use and have been checked for any potential security vulnerabilities or privacy concerns.” ALSO READ | India to install new scanners at airports; passengers won't have to remove electronic devices from bag Therefore, BharOS services are now reportedly being supplied to those users and organisations that handle sensitive information and data that require strong privacy and security requirements. Can you install BharOS on your device? Reports suggest that BharOS will be available on a range of devices including laptops, phones, as well as desktops, however, it is still being developed and its release date has not been announced yet. Furthermore, unlike Windows OS, a single build of BharOS cannot be installed on all Android phones, therefore, even after the wider roll-out might not be available for all devices. So far, it is reportedly said to be compatible with Google Pixel smartphones but there is no official confirmation by the developers. BharOS: What we know so far about the current version Notably, the current version of BharOS comes with third-party apps like DuckDuckGo and Signal as default browsers and messaging apps. Additionally, since there are no pre-installed apps and users can sideload any app of their choice which could potentially compromise the device’s security and make it vulnerable to hacking, noted a report by the Indian Express. ALSO READ | Microsoft and ISRO team up to support Indian space-tech startups There is also no clarity on how a user can replace their current operating system with BharOS or if the developers will join hands with the OEM to launch the smartphone which supports the indigenously built mobile operating system. However, reports suggest that the developers are expected to collaborate with some smartphone manufacturers to launch cell phones with BharOS. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: BharOS an indigenously-built operating system for smartphones in India

The construction of India’s Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ flagship project, the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway is underway. On&nbsp;Saturday (January 21), the Union Minister for Road Transport and National Highways, Nitin Gadkari, took to Twitter and shared images of a section of the 1,386 km (861 miles)-long roadway. Once completed it will connect the country’s national capital and its financial capital reducing the total travel time to a mere 12 hours. The project which began in 2018 with the foundation laid in March 2019, should be almost completed by December, later this year, Gadkari announced in 2022.&nbsp;

India’s largest expressway: Connectivity and cost

The eight-lane Delhi-Mumbai highway is poised to become the largest expressway in the country and one of the fastest-built expressways in the world connecting major cities and states across India. In addition to the two capitals, the expressway will also connect five states, Rajasthan, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.&nbsp;

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Stunning views from Vadodara - Virar Section of Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. Limiting the distance for prosperous India. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PragatiKaHighway?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PragatiKaHighway</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GatiShakti?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GatiShakti</a> 
 
PC- <a href="https://twitter.com/cbdhage?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cbdhage</a> <a href="https://t.co/BPnU6eCZwt">pic.twitter.com/BPnU6eCZwt</a>
— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) <a href="https://twitter.com/nitin_gadkari/status/1616755931446136833?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The over 1,300 km highway will also pass through the country’s economic hubs like Jaipur, Kishangarh, Ajmer, Kota, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Bhopal, Ujjain, Indore, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, and Surat. The soon-to-be-inaugurated roadway will start from DND flyway, Delhi and Sohna, Haryana and end at Virar, Maharashtra, and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust, Mumbai.&nbsp;

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The total cost of constructing the ambitious expressway is more than Rs 1 lakh crore (approximately US$12 billion) and it will reportedly use 80 lakh tons of cement and 10 lakh tons of steel. The 1,368 km expressway’s eight lanes can also be expanded into 12 lanes depending on the requirement, while the entire roadway is divided into four sections, DND-Faridabad-KMP Route (Delhi-Haryana), Sohna–KMP–Vadodara Route (Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat), Vadodara–Virar Route (Gujarat and Maharashtra), and Virar–JNPT Route (Maharashtra)

Delhi-Mumbai expressway: Here are some of the key features&nbsp;

Along with a number of amenities including hotels, gas stations, food hubs, retail shops, and so on, the expressway will also include charging stations and a separate lane for electric vehicles. Additionally, reports suggest that the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway will include a heliport for emergency evacuations and a first-of-its-kind trauma centre in case of accidents.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/reach-delhi-to-mumbai-in-12-hours-check-the-top-speed-limit-and-route-details-of-the-new-expressway-540138">Reach Delhi to Mumbai in 12 hours, check the top speed limit and route details of the new expressway</a>

Furthermore, the expressway is expected to cut at least 850 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions and save more than 300 million litres of fuel every year. It will also have multiple animal overpasses making it the first in Asia and second in the world to include such a feature for the uninterrupted movement of wildlife. According to the ministry, over two million trees and shrubs will also be planted along the highway.&nbsp;

The expressway includes two iconic eight-lane tunnels one of which will pass through the Mukundra sanctuary in the Indian state of Rajasthan, while the other four kilometres will be tunnelling through an eco-sensitive zone in Maharashtra’s Matheran. Notably, the highway has also created tens of thousands of jobs for daily workers as well as trained civil engineers.

Recent developments

Last week, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) said that they will implement the Advance Traffic Management System (ATMS) on national highways and expressways which will include enforcement of speed limits and other regulations for better managing road accidents. Reportedly, the maximum speed on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway will be 120 km per hour.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-noida-supertech-twin-tower-demolition-510329">Explained: Everything you need to know about the Noida Supertech twin towers demolition</a>

The NHAI, on January 16, also said that they are looking to leverage GIS technology for analysing drone videos and Network Survey Vehicle data for identifying safety issues on highways. ATMS is also being installed on projects under implementation such as Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, in addition to already being implemented for around 3,000 kilometres of national highways, said the NHAI.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

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The construction of India’s Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ flagship project, the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway is underway. On Saturday (January 21), the Union Minister for Road Transport and National Highways, Nitin Gadkari, took to Twitter and shared images of a section of the 1,386 km (861 miles)-long roadway.

The construction of India’s Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ flagship project, the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway is underway. On Saturday (January 21), the Union Minister for Road Transport and National Highways, Nitin Gadkari, took to Twitter and shared images of a section of the 1,386 km (861 miles)-long roadway. Once completed it will connect the country’s national capital and its financial capital reducing the total travel time to a mere 12 hours. The project which began in 2018 with the foundation laid in March 2019, should be almost completed by December, later this year, Gadkari announced in 2022. India’s largest expressway: Connectivity and cost The eight-lane Delhi-Mumbai highway is poised to become the largest expressway in the country and one of the fastest-built expressways in the world connecting major cities and states across India. In addition to the two capitals, the expressway will also connect five states, Rajasthan, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. Stunning views from Vadodara - Virar Section of Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. Limiting the distance for prosperous India. #PragatiKaHighway #GatiShakti PC- @cbdhage pic.twitter.com/BPnU6eCZwt — Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) January 21, 2023 × The over 1,300 km highway will also pass through the country’s economic hubs like Jaipur, Kishangarh, Ajmer, Kota, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Bhopal, Ujjain, Indore, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, and Surat. The soon-to-be-inaugurated roadway will start from DND flyway, Delhi and Sohna, Haryana and end at Virar, Maharashtra, and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust, Mumbai. ALSO WATCH | India celebrates 'Parakram Divas', PM Modi honours Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose The total cost of constructing the ambitious expressway is more than Rs 1 lakh crore (approximately US$12 billion) and it will reportedly use 80 lakh tons of cement and 10 lakh tons of steel. The 1,368 km expressway’s eight lanes can also be expanded into 12 lanes depending on the requirement, while the entire roadway is divided into four sections, DND-Faridabad-KMP Route (Delhi-Haryana), Sohna–KMP–Vadodara Route (Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat), Vadodara–Virar Route (Gujarat and Maharashtra), and Virar–JNPT Route (Maharashtra) Delhi-Mumbai expressway: Here are some of the key features Along with a number of amenities including hotels, gas stations, food hubs, retail shops, and so on, the expressway will also include charging stations and a separate lane for electric vehicles. Additionally, reports suggest that the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway will include a heliport for emergency evacuations and a first-of-its-kind trauma centre in case of accidents. ALSO READ | Reach Delhi to Mumbai in 12 hours, check the top speed limit and route details of the new expressway Furthermore, the expressway is expected to cut at least 850 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions and save more than 300 million litres of fuel every year. It will also have multiple animal overpasses making it the first in Asia and second in the world to include such a feature for the uninterrupted movement of wildlife. According to the ministry, over two million trees and shrubs will also be planted along the highway. The expressway includes two iconic eight-lane tunnels one of which will pass through the Mukundra sanctuary in the Indian state of Rajasthan, while the other four kilometres will be tunnelling through an eco-sensitive zone in Maharashtra’s Matheran. Notably, the highway has also created tens of thousands of jobs for daily workers as well as trained civil engineers. Recent developments Last week, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) said that they will implement the Advance Traffic Management System (ATMS) on national highways and expressways which will include enforcement of speed limits and other regulations for better managing road accidents. Reportedly, the maximum speed on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway will be 120 km per hour. ALSO READ | Explained: Everything you need to know about the Noida Supertech twin towers demolition The NHAI, on January 16, also said that they are looking to leverage GIS technology for analysing drone videos and Network Survey Vehicle data for identifying safety issues on highways. ATMS is also being installed on projects under implementation such as Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, in addition to already being implemented for around 3,000 kilometres of national highways, said the NHAI. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Delhi-Mumbai expressway: Everything you need to know about one of India’s largest infrastructure projects

India and Oman on Wednesday held the eighth&nbsp;strategic dialogue in Delhi which was led by India's Deputy National Security Adviser Vikram Misri and Oman's Secretary General of the National Security Council Major General Idris Abdulrahman Al-Kindi. The last strategic dialogue was held in Muscat in January 2020.

During the talks, both sides focused on strategic and security cooperation, defence and counter-terrorism. On counter-terrorism, the key focus of the conversation was on the expansion of terrorist propaganda, misuse of new and emerging technologies, fundraising and disinformation and are keen to work with each other on collective and coordinated response.

Another key aspect of the conversation was on preserving maritime safety and security in the region. Oman and India are maritime neighbours, sharing the coastline with the Arabian Sea. In the past few years, both countries have cooperated in ensuring maritime security in the Indian Ocean region. As part of the cooperation, the first meeting of the Joint Maritime Committee took place on 23 February 2022 virtually.

Major General Idris Abdulrahman Al-Kindi also called on National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. This is the first visit by Al-Kindi to India after his appointment as the Secretary General of the NSC of Oman and was in India from January 16 to 19. The ninth&nbsp;Strategic Dialogue between the two sides will take place in 2024.

The visit of Oman's Secretary General of NSC is part of increased high-level engagement between the two&nbsp;sides. Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs V Muraleedharan visited Oman in October 2022, while Oman's commerce minister Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef and foreign minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad visited India the same year.

New Delhi has extended an invitation to Oman to participate in the G20 Summit and meetings as a guest country during its ongoing presidency of the grouping.

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India and Oman on Wednesday held the eighth strategic dialogue in Delhi which was led by India's Deputy National Security Adviser Vikram Misri and Oman's Secretary General of the National Security Council Major General Idris Abdulrahman Al-Kindi.

India and Oman on Wednesday held the eighth strategic dialogue in Delhi which was led by India's Deputy National Security Adviser Vikram Misri and Oman's Secretary General of the National Security Council Major General Idris Abdulrahman Al-Kindi. The last strategic dialogue was held in Muscat in January 2020. During the talks, both sides focused on strategic and security cooperation, defence and counter-terrorism. On counter-terrorism, the key focus of the conversation was on the expansion of terrorist propaganda, misuse of new and emerging technologies, fundraising and disinformation and are keen to work with each other on collective and coordinated response. Another key aspect of the conversation was on preserving maritime safety and security in the region. Oman and India are maritime neighbours, sharing the coastline with the Arabian Sea. In the past few years, both countries have cooperated in ensuring maritime security in the Indian Ocean region. As part of the cooperation, the first meeting of the Joint Maritime Committee took place on 23 February 2022 virtually. Major General Idris Abdulrahman Al-Kindi also called on National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. This is the first visit by Al-Kindi to India after his appointment as the Secretary General of the NSC of Oman and was in India from January 16 to 19. The ninth Strategic Dialogue between the two sides will take place in 2024. The visit of Oman's Secretary General of NSC is part of increased high-level engagement between the two sides. Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs V Muraleedharan visited Oman in October 2022, while Oman's commerce minister Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef and foreign minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad visited India the same year. New Delhi has extended an invitation to Oman to participate in the G20 Summit and meetings as a guest country during its ongoing presidency of the grouping. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

With focus on counter-terrorism, defence, India and Oman hold strategic dialogue in Delhi

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